Do you feel that you need the long school vacation break? how do you occupy your time during the December break, when schools are closed?
"Finally it is here!", this is what we also hear when the holidays are approaching. After months of hectic and pressurising life.Students would want to have a break, not having to wake up so early even before sun rise.
During the school terms, we have lots of work and activities to be done, going back home homework, prepare for examinations never ending... With such schedules we spend more time in school than at home especially nowadays we have countless enrichment and exchanges with other schools in our co-curricular activities.
However having a long vacation break allow us to have more time to rest, as having rest is to prepare for future ahead waiting for us. Although having a school break, we are still given work to do but at least at home, I can plan my own time to have balanced fun and work. Spending more time at home also give me the opportunity to sped more time with my family, having the freedom to do what I want.
Usually I would spend part of my vacation break to have a outing or go on a trip to other countries. I think that being able to have an opportunity to go overseas is very important. Going overseas, we can learn the different cultures and taste the different cuisines. It is also a great time to spend time with my parents because even I am having school break, they may not be at home. Going overseas also let me realise how fortunate I am to be living in Singapore when I visit a country that is less developed. It also let me know that there are more in this world for me to explore and to learn from those countries that are more developed than Singapore. These experiences let be treasure my life in Singapore and to be humbler to learn from others. Therefore I think that we need a long vacation break to start a new year fresh.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
I value the different types of race, religeon and cultures in Singapore the most. These are the main things that keep Singapore going. If I had to live in another country, i would miss the noises on the street made by the different languages of the different races made by people. Singapore is also made known for her greenery and clealiness
(2007)Q1:drawing up a set of school rules for a new school.
School rules are made to discipline (disciple) students, improving their behaviour and attitudes. If there are (is) no school rules, the school might become chaotic (go chaos) as students will (do) not listen to teachers or care about their school's reputation.Therefore, school rules are compulsory for every school in every corner of the world. (Is this really true for all levels? What if the students are older?)
The compulsory school rule that any school must have is 'Students should attend school punctually'.This allow students to develop a sense of time, knowing the importance of begin punctual in society.Not only do the teachers able to start their lessons on the clock but also having extra time to go further for the students, especially the weaker ones.Since the school normally start in the early morning, this school rule will help students to develop a habit of sleeping early and waking up early.It will not only give the students a clean bill of health but a acceptable attitude as well. In addition, it is important because it ensures students to attend school on time and benefits them in health and early impart of knowledge.
Similarly, having the sense of time is not enough. Another school rule that is needed is 'Neat Attire'.School uniform is a symbol of a particular school and it will affect the school's reputation on how the students dress themselves either immaculately or untidily which in turn reflect the disciple of the students as well.The uniform not only shows people that they are from which school but also give the students a sense of belonging. School uniforms are also used by teachers to determine whether the student is obedient or problematic at their first sight and need to monitor them. Therefore, this is important as it shows how the school's disciple is and develops the students to have the right character.
Having the responsibility in the growth of the students, the school needs to prevent students from having bad influence such as stealing and smoking. Hence,'Smoking and stealing are forbidden' is a must. IT will give the students a clean and healthy environment to study in and their safety is to be ensured from the naughty students. Drawing up this rule, gives as a warning to the students that it is wrong and erases their temptation of doing a mistake in their lives.Therefore, it is important as smoking not only influence them negatively but also affect their inner health. Teachers should act as an example for the students to learn in and will thus, allow them to develop positively in every areas.
'Students must give the rightful respect to teachers and workers' is another rule that is needed. However, this includes having the teacher and workers to give the students their rightful respect as well. Students will learn to be polite and not grown up to be an agestic person. Not only foster their behaviour and characters but also allow them to grow up as excellent Singaporeans. With this school rule, teachers and students will have a better relationship which therefore allows students to have the mind for learning and bravery to ask teachers for help either in education or the problem they are facing in their daily lives. Hence, relationship between a teacher and student is important as it make school life more lively and also develop students to have a 'big' heart as well.
Finally, to enable these rules to be followed, a punishment rule must include as well. 'Students who break the rules will be severely punish' will be needed to keep the students to be obedient and in order. This rule will enhance students to follow the rules and in the same time allow the school to be organises. It will prevent the students to have a second thought of whether to do something bad, developing their sense of wrong and right and the consequences of their doing. This is the only way for naughty students to know their mistake and learn from it, growing from the wrong to be a better person in the future. Punishment itself allows the students to reflect on the things they done and grow from it. However, there are still some students that did not want to learn from their mistake but continue to do so. These students will be needing consoling and the school need to pay attention to them. Therefore, it is important as it ensure the students from breaking the rules, developing their sense of seriousness and well-being of their attitude and character.
In conclusion, the most important of all is the rule of punishment which ensure that other school rules are followed by the students. It allow them ti realise their mistake and able to differentiate between wrong and right. If there is no punishment, students will be nonchalant in what they do as there is no one to bother them whether they did something wrong. Therefore, the rule are made to be followed and punishment are given to determine the seriousness of rules. This hence shows that rules are important to school to keep the order of the school and also develop the right behaviour and character in students' growth.
The compulsory school rule that any school must have is 'Students should attend school punctually'.This allow students to develop a sense of time, knowing the importance of begin punctual in society.Not only do the teachers able to start their lessons on the clock but also having extra time to go further for the students, especially the weaker ones.Since the school normally start in the early morning, this school rule will help students to develop a habit of sleeping early and waking up early.It will not only give the students a clean bill of health but a acceptable attitude as well. In addition, it is important because it ensures students to attend school on time and benefits them in health and early impart of knowledge.
Similarly, having the sense of time is not enough. Another school rule that is needed is 'Neat Attire'.School uniform is a symbol of a particular school and it will affect the school's reputation on how the students dress themselves either immaculately or untidily which in turn reflect the disciple of the students as well.The uniform not only shows people that they are from which school but also give the students a sense of belonging. School uniforms are also used by teachers to determine whether the student is obedient or problematic at their first sight and need to monitor them. Therefore, this is important as it shows how the school's disciple is and develops the students to have the right character.
Having the responsibility in the growth of the students, the school needs to prevent students from having bad influence such as stealing and smoking. Hence,'Smoking and stealing are forbidden' is a must. IT will give the students a clean and healthy environment to study in and their safety is to be ensured from the naughty students. Drawing up this rule, gives as a warning to the students that it is wrong and erases their temptation of doing a mistake in their lives.Therefore, it is important as smoking not only influence them negatively but also affect their inner health. Teachers should act as an example for the students to learn in and will thus, allow them to develop positively in every areas.
'Students must give the rightful respect to teachers and workers' is another rule that is needed. However, this includes having the teacher and workers to give the students their rightful respect as well. Students will learn to be polite and not grown up to be an agestic person. Not only foster their behaviour and characters but also allow them to grow up as excellent Singaporeans. With this school rule, teachers and students will have a better relationship which therefore allows students to have the mind for learning and bravery to ask teachers for help either in education or the problem they are facing in their daily lives. Hence, relationship between a teacher and student is important as it make school life more lively and also develop students to have a 'big' heart as well.
Finally, to enable these rules to be followed, a punishment rule must include as well. 'Students who break the rules will be severely punish' will be needed to keep the students to be obedient and in order. This rule will enhance students to follow the rules and in the same time allow the school to be organises. It will prevent the students to have a second thought of whether to do something bad, developing their sense of wrong and right and the consequences of their doing. This is the only way for naughty students to know their mistake and learn from it, growing from the wrong to be a better person in the future. Punishment itself allows the students to reflect on the things they done and grow from it. However, there are still some students that did not want to learn from their mistake but continue to do so. These students will be needing consoling and the school need to pay attention to them. Therefore, it is important as it ensure the students from breaking the rules, developing their sense of seriousness and well-being of their attitude and character.
In conclusion, the most important of all is the rule of punishment which ensure that other school rules are followed by the students. It allow them ti realise their mistake and able to differentiate between wrong and right. If there is no punishment, students will be nonchalant in what they do as there is no one to bother them whether they did something wrong. Therefore, the rule are made to be followed and punishment are given to determine the seriousness of rules. This hence shows that rules are important to school to keep the order of the school and also develop the right behaviour and character in students' growth.
2007, Qn 5, Heroes
What are heroes? Well, they are usually those who sacrifice themselves to save everybody, and at the end of the day, they are either looked up upon or disliked by people who are jealous and envious.
Let me give you an example of my all time favourite cartoon character hero: Batman! Of course, I do have real life heroes whom I admire and who resemble Batman. They are my parents and friends. I used to ask myself why are they usually well-liked and I finally realised a similarity between them, they are the more realistic heroes one can ever meet. I bet you can never imagine a human being able to lift up a truck as easily as Superman. Yes, my heroes are people who make use of their knowledge, experience, time and fortune to help others. They do not just sit there and wait for miracles to happen, they create miracles. Also, when a hero comes along, people will definitely have the strength to carry on because heroes have this amazing ability to cast fears aside for whoever that are facing problems and are afraid to deal with it. Be it people feeling lonely, unhappy or depressed, I believe a hero will appear somehow because I am sure they have this sixth sense and they will know when someone is in need of help.
There was Lim Bo Seng, one of Singapore's great hero who sacrificed himself for the country during the Japanese occupation. He could have gave up his pride and betrayed Singapore to save his own life but he did not, and this made him the man that everyone looks up to.
I'm stuck, I don't know how to continue.
Let me give you an example of my all time favourite cartoon character hero: Batman! Of course, I do have real life heroes whom I admire and who resemble Batman. They are my parents and friends. I used to ask myself why are they usually well-liked and I finally realised a similarity between them, they are the more realistic heroes one can ever meet. I bet you can never imagine a human being able to lift up a truck as easily as Superman. Yes, my heroes are people who make use of their knowledge, experience, time and fortune to help others. They do not just sit there and wait for miracles to happen, they create miracles. Also, when a hero comes along, people will definitely have the strength to carry on because heroes have this amazing ability to cast fears aside for whoever that are facing problems and are afraid to deal with it. Be it people feeling lonely, unhappy or depressed, I believe a hero will appear somehow because I am sure they have this sixth sense and they will know when someone is in need of help.
There was Lim Bo Seng, one of Singapore's great hero who sacrificed himself for the country during the Japanese occupation. He could have gave up his pride and betrayed Singapore to save his own life but he did not, and this made him the man that everyone looks up to.
I'm stuck, I don't know how to continue.
2005- QUESTION 2, Write about how a serious accident led to an area being made safer for those who work or live there.
"Help, help!" These were the words the victims of the fire were crying out. I remember the fire was raging and everyone was panicky and screaming for help. It all began with a cigarette bud...
The Lim family , my neighbour, always had a habit of leaving tons and tons of things, for example newspapers and old clothes, just outside their flat. The corridor was so crammed and it was really difficult for people to walk through. many neighbours have tried to tell them about the devastating consequences but they always turned a deaf ear to it.
"Why can't they put those things somewhere else? Something will happen one day for sure if they continue to put their garbage outside their flat!", that was what the neighbours and I always thought. And true enough, something really did happen. Just like a "thought" come true.
It happened when one of our neighbours went out of his flat to have a smoke on his cigarette. after he was done, he accidentally threw his still lighted cigarette bud on one of Mr Lim's stack of newspapers. A ferocious fire broke out moments later, burning everything into ashes which came into its way. Residents smelled smoke and saw a raging fire located at the 5th level. By then, it was already too late, as the fire had raced through the entire block.
The Lim family was still trapped in their flat and were not able to escape due to the fire. "Help, help! Please, somebody, help us!" Many people were running about and carrying pails of water, trying their best to put out the fire.
END OF STORY. not exactly actually.
The Lim family , my neighbour, always had a habit of leaving tons and tons of things, for example newspapers and old clothes, just outside their flat. The corridor was so crammed and it was really difficult for people to walk through. many neighbours have tried to tell them about the devastating consequences but they always turned a deaf ear to it.
"Why can't they put those things somewhere else? Something will happen one day for sure if they continue to put their garbage outside their flat!", that was what the neighbours and I always thought. And true enough, something really did happen. Just like a "thought" come true.
It happened when one of our neighbours went out of his flat to have a smoke on his cigarette. after he was done, he accidentally threw his still lighted cigarette bud on one of Mr Lim's stack of newspapers. A ferocious fire broke out moments later, burning everything into ashes which came into its way. Residents smelled smoke and saw a raging fire located at the 5th level. By then, it was already too late, as the fire had raced through the entire block.
The Lim family was still trapped in their flat and were not able to escape due to the fire. "Help, help! Please, somebody, help us!" Many people were running about and carrying pails of water, trying their best to put out the fire.
END OF STORY. not exactly actually.
Year 2005 (Q1)
' Parents and teachers are partners in the education of children '
In what ways can parents and teachers contribute to the education of children ?
Amongst all the Asian countries, Singapore is often extolled as a world-leading economic cream of the crop and business hub. Nonetheless, in order to nuture our children into future leaders of the nation, the Singapore government have been showing the prominence in offering an all-rounded education within Singapore. Being a typical Singaporean children, one might be sick and tired of the umpteen reminders to excel in their studies and to score top in their class. In general, I think that Singaporeans should not be relying on the government in providing the best education for their children. As it takes both hands to clap, parents and teachers do play an important role in educating their children as well.
Towards education, most people will always have the notion of discerning education as one's academic performance in school. This is absolutely far from the truth. Besides shining academically, it is also essential for one to excel in his character development as well. Students with good attributes such as being courteous and polite most likely come from families with good upbringing. Thus, this makes sense to me that parents besides being a guardian, they act the role of an educator as well. In my opinion, I feel that parents do carry a heavy responsibility in their child's character development. First and foremost, parents are role models for their children to follow, every word or action may poses as an impact on their children. As parents are the ones whom the children spend most of their time with. On the other hand, moral education have been implemented as one of the subject in the cirriculum in all Primary and Secondary schools within Singapore, to impart values that can help to make their children becoming better human beings , confident and upright citizens of their country.
Due to the booming tourism and economic activities, Singapore has open her doors to welcome foreign talents to boost Singapore's economic growth as well as the declining birth rates. As such, Singaporeans have been constantly reminded to buck up and stay competitive. Thus, making learning a mundane and daunting chore to be done daily, especially for those who are weaker in their studies. In order to enable children to overcome such physical barrier, teachers should make lessons fun and enjoyable and most importantly, ensuring students to be able to cope with the pace as well as understanding important concepts at the same time. Furthermore, teachers should also squeeze in time from their busy work schedule specially for slow-learners and those weaker ones, so that they will not feel despair towards learning but rather feel that learning is a pleasure , not a burden. In addition, once every semester has ended, the school will conduct a Parent-Teacher Conference to update the student's progress and attitude in school. On the other hand, parents should supervise their children with their school work daily and to understand the difficulties that they faced during learning in order for them to set realistic goals for their children.
As the saying goes" Health is wealth." , is vital for the children to stay physically and mentally healthy in order for them to be outstanding in all aspects of education. To a large extent, parents do play an important role in maintaining their child's healthy state of mind. They should praise their children for the for the good works that they have done or scoring distinctions in their recent class tests. These might be seen as the littlest thinggs in life we may neglect, but it can actually boost the morale and self-esteem of their children to do even well. Hence, parents should not underestimate the power of such praises, it may mean a lot to a child, it do makes a difference.
In what ways can parents and teachers contribute to the education of children ?
Amongst all the Asian countries, Singapore is often extolled as a world-leading economic cream of the crop and business hub. Nonetheless, in order to nuture our children into future leaders of the nation, the Singapore government have been showing the prominence in offering an all-rounded education within Singapore. Being a typical Singaporean children, one might be sick and tired of the umpteen reminders to excel in their studies and to score top in their class. In general, I think that Singaporeans should not be relying on the government in providing the best education for their children. As it takes both hands to clap, parents and teachers do play an important role in educating their children as well.
Towards education, most people will always have the notion of discerning education as one's academic performance in school. This is absolutely far from the truth. Besides shining academically, it is also essential for one to excel in his character development as well. Students with good attributes such as being courteous and polite most likely come from families with good upbringing. Thus, this makes sense to me that parents besides being a guardian, they act the role of an educator as well. In my opinion, I feel that parents do carry a heavy responsibility in their child's character development. First and foremost, parents are role models for their children to follow, every word or action may poses as an impact on their children. As parents are the ones whom the children spend most of their time with. On the other hand, moral education have been implemented as one of the subject in the cirriculum in all Primary and Secondary schools within Singapore, to impart values that can help to make their children becoming better human beings , confident and upright citizens of their country.
Due to the booming tourism and economic activities, Singapore has open her doors to welcome foreign talents to boost Singapore's economic growth as well as the declining birth rates. As such, Singaporeans have been constantly reminded to buck up and stay competitive. Thus, making learning a mundane and daunting chore to be done daily, especially for those who are weaker in their studies. In order to enable children to overcome such physical barrier, teachers should make lessons fun and enjoyable and most importantly, ensuring students to be able to cope with the pace as well as understanding important concepts at the same time. Furthermore, teachers should also squeeze in time from their busy work schedule specially for slow-learners and those weaker ones, so that they will not feel despair towards learning but rather feel that learning is a pleasure , not a burden. In addition, once every semester has ended, the school will conduct a Parent-Teacher Conference to update the student's progress and attitude in school. On the other hand, parents should supervise their children with their school work daily and to understand the difficulties that they faced during learning in order for them to set realistic goals for their children.
As the saying goes" Health is wealth." , is vital for the children to stay physically and mentally healthy in order for them to be outstanding in all aspects of education. To a large extent, parents do play an important role in maintaining their child's healthy state of mind. They should praise their children for the for the good works that they have done or scoring distinctions in their recent class tests. These might be seen as the littlest thinggs in life we may neglect, but it can actually boost the morale and self-esteem of their children to do even well. Hence, parents should not underestimate the power of such praises, it may mean a lot to a child, it do makes a difference.
2005, Qn3
It is not only shopping that brings vistors to Singapore. Describe some other tourist attractions and say why you thinkg vistors enjoy them.
Everyone knows that Singapore is a shopping paradise. However, besides being a shopping haven, Singapore is also well known for tourist attraction sites, a multi racial society, and an array of food that Singapore offers.
People's tastebuds will be actively excercised when they taste food for around the world. Singapore, having an assortment of different delicacies, is no less than capable of doing so. All the different kinds of multi racial food can be found in a place called a "coffeshop", some famous ones being "Chomp Chomp", "Newton Circus" and "Lau Pa Sat". They are places with delectable food at budget prices. Tourists enjoy having their meals there as they get to experience local cuisine without bursting a hole in their pockets. Some of the well known specialties are fingerfood such as the "dim sum", a different version of pasta the "laksa"which is noodles served in a bowl of spicy soup, "nasi lemak" which means coconut rice, and more. With such affordable food, and the more expensive ones found in upper-class areas, what is not to like about food in Singapore? Moreover, tourists will be able to have a taste of life in Singapore via the food they consume as every different meal tells a story.
For leisure and places of interest, we have the popular Sentosa,
Everyone knows that Singapore is a shopping paradise. However, besides being a shopping haven, Singapore is also well known for tourist attraction sites, a multi racial society, and an array of food that Singapore offers.
People's tastebuds will be actively excercised when they taste food for around the world. Singapore, having an assortment of different delicacies, is no less than capable of doing so. All the different kinds of multi racial food can be found in a place called a "coffeshop", some famous ones being "Chomp Chomp", "Newton Circus" and "Lau Pa Sat". They are places with delectable food at budget prices. Tourists enjoy having their meals there as they get to experience local cuisine without bursting a hole in their pockets. Some of the well known specialties are fingerfood such as the "dim sum", a different version of pasta the "laksa"which is noodles served in a bowl of spicy soup, "nasi lemak" which means coconut rice, and more. With such affordable food, and the more expensive ones found in upper-class areas, what is not to like about food in Singapore? Moreover, tourists will be able to have a taste of life in Singapore via the food they consume as every different meal tells a story.
For leisure and places of interest, we have the popular Sentosa,
Year 2004:Q5.
2004 Q5: Descrtibe one of the large shopping malls in Singapore. Why does it attract so many customers?
Vivo City is known as the latest biggest shopping mall in Singapore. It is an iconic retail,entertainment and lifestyle destination that constantly surprises and stimulates visitors with its vibrant mix of retail and entertainment concepts, and a full calendar of exciting festivals and events that will draw both locals and foreign visitors.
The design of Vivo City was inspired by the harbourfront location of the development, which evokes images of waves in the sea. Each space leads intuitively into the next, creating an enjoyable shopping experience.
Inside Vico City, there are many branded merchandises, for example: Nike, Adidas, ESpirit, Crocodile, Levi's, Marks & Spencer, Tommy Hilfiger, The Body Shop, The Fact Shop and so on. All the limited edition goods of many brands are available there. Not only many shops are there, but also a lot of restaurants are also located there. Chinese food, western food, malay food and other ehtnic tastes can be found over there. When you pass those restaurants places, you will smell the creamy aroma and the fragance of the food. And you can see people chatting and laughing when they are having their meals, they are happy.
The most famous part of Vivo City is the largest local cinema complex which is called Gloden Village. It has some special conditions, like Gloden Class, which is
Vivo City is known as the latest biggest shopping mall in Singapore. It is an iconic retail,entertainment and lifestyle destination that constantly surprises and stimulates visitors with its vibrant mix of retail and entertainment concepts, and a full calendar of exciting festivals and events that will draw both locals and foreign visitors.
The design of Vivo City was inspired by the harbourfront location of the development, which evokes images of waves in the sea. Each space leads intuitively into the next, creating an enjoyable shopping experience.
Inside Vico City, there are many branded merchandises, for example: Nike, Adidas, ESpirit, Crocodile, Levi's, Marks & Spencer, Tommy Hilfiger, The Body Shop, The Fact Shop and so on. All the limited edition goods of many brands are available there. Not only many shops are there, but also a lot of restaurants are also located there. Chinese food, western food, malay food and other ehtnic tastes can be found over there. When you pass those restaurants places, you will smell the creamy aroma and the fragance of the food. And you can see people chatting and laughing when they are having their meals, they are happy.
The most famous part of Vivo City is the largest local cinema complex which is called Gloden Village. It has some special conditions, like Gloden Class, which is
2005 QUES 4:choosing a career is one of the most important decisions to make in life.what factors will affect your choice?
As one graduate and moves on to a new phase in life, he comes to a point whereby he is going to make an important decision in life about his future career. " I want to be a..." may be a sentence one would normally say about his occupation .However , it is when one matures and grows up , his sense of judgment towards his life changes and his interests too, also changes accordingly.
Personally, the decision of choosing a career is not an easy task. Many factors have to be taken into consideration and will ultimately affect my choice.
The first and foremost factor will be my interest. Enjoy life! Follow your own desire and heart to fulfill and achieve what you want. What a pathetic sight it would be to be led by the nose into dedicating my time for something that seems such a bore to me . Imagine myself trudging wearily to work without any purpose. Life would just get tiring. I would only be unhappy and suffer psychologically. Also, having interest also means that one will put his teeth into something and completes his tasks seriously and with passion. It is only then will i live my life meaningfully and with satisfaction. Thus, happiness is one thing i will consider to persevere in my work.
Furthermore, another factor would be the salary. As the saying goes "money makes the world goes round" . It is indeed true as with the high cost of living, money becomes essential. Hence, a good salary will ensures me a comfortable life. No worries will there be in my late days.
Another factor that is considerable would be the future prospect in my career. Future prospect lies in many opportunities to hone my skills , giving me an eye opener of another side of the world i have never seen before. I will be able to learn more and be knowledgeable and hence improve myself. Further developments in my work will also allow me to predict changes and stay relevant so that i will remain employable.
In addition, another factor to be noted is my working time. It should be flexible so that i am able to spend more time with my family . There is no point working so hard and having a high salary if you do not even have the time to spend them. To me, family is important to me. They are also the ones who are closest to me and will always be there whenever i need them. Also , by having more time, i will be able to have more interactions with them and increase our bond between each other. I will also be able to catch up with my friends and do what i enjoy.
In conclusion, all of the factors above will affect my choice . However , the most important factor is interest . Doing what i enjoy will save me from future regrets in life. It is then interesting and everyday will be so meaningful that i will always look forward to another start of a new day.
Personally, the decision of choosing a career is not an easy task. Many factors have to be taken into consideration and will ultimately affect my choice.
The first and foremost factor will be my interest. Enjoy life! Follow your own desire and heart to fulfill and achieve what you want. What a pathetic sight it would be to be led by the nose into dedicating my time for something that seems such a bore to me . Imagine myself trudging wearily to work without any purpose. Life would just get tiring. I would only be unhappy and suffer psychologically. Also, having interest also means that one will put his teeth into something and completes his tasks seriously and with passion. It is only then will i live my life meaningfully and with satisfaction. Thus, happiness is one thing i will consider to persevere in my work.
Furthermore, another factor would be the salary. As the saying goes "money makes the world goes round" . It is indeed true as with the high cost of living, money becomes essential. Hence, a good salary will ensures me a comfortable life. No worries will there be in my late days.
Another factor that is considerable would be the future prospect in my career. Future prospect lies in many opportunities to hone my skills , giving me an eye opener of another side of the world i have never seen before. I will be able to learn more and be knowledgeable and hence improve myself. Further developments in my work will also allow me to predict changes and stay relevant so that i will remain employable.
In addition, another factor to be noted is my working time. It should be flexible so that i am able to spend more time with my family . There is no point working so hard and having a high salary if you do not even have the time to spend them. To me, family is important to me. They are also the ones who are closest to me and will always be there whenever i need them. Also , by having more time, i will be able to have more interactions with them and increase our bond between each other. I will also be able to catch up with my friends and do what i enjoy.
In conclusion, all of the factors above will affect my choice . However , the most important factor is interest . Doing what i enjoy will save me from future regrets in life. It is then interesting and everyday will be so meaningful that i will always look forward to another start of a new day.
2004 Question 3
It is logical that every parent should watch and accompany their child through their growth.Unfortunately,we are living in a generation whereby people prioritise their careers first rather than their families thus numerous parents do not usually spend sufficient time with their children.
As a matter of fact,i deeply believed that it is important for every parent to put aside their career temporarily so as to take care of their child's need till they reach a sensible age.This is necessary as the saying goes 'Parents Are A Child's First Teacher',therefore parents have to personate a role to educate their children and led them to a brighter future.In the case whereby a child is left unattended due to his/her parent's busy schedules,the child may end up becoming emotionally unstable due to the lacking satisfaction of love.There are many negative possibilities in a case like this so it is nevertheless the best policy for parents to stay at home with their young children to ensure the security of them growing up smoothly.
Another adequate reason why i felt that parents should not go to work when their children are still young,partially because it might result in a misunderstanding between the parents and their children.The children will probably be suffering in lonely silence with the thinking that their parents do not care for them,worst comes to worst,they may even begin to hate their parents for settling them in this loneliness.
Furthermore,there are examples which shown that parents who left their young children in the care of another guardian always ended up not having a close relationship with their children.This is because the attachment of the children to their guardians, who've taken care of them,are even closer than their parents,who have been busy with their work instead.This will inflict further arising conflicts between the parents and their children caused by miscommunication.
Parents have ever fundamental right to decide on their own whether they want to continue working during the growth of their young children, but i encourage the choices of taking a break from work and spend it with their children.In contrary,if they want the well-beings of their children to grow up peacefully without any harms and knowing rights from wrongs,it is advisable to seek accompanionship together with their children.
-Should parents go out to work when their children are still young.
As a matter of fact,i deeply believed that it is important for every parent to put aside their career temporarily so as to take care of their child's need till they reach a sensible age.This is necessary as the saying goes 'Parents Are A Child's First Teacher',therefore parents have to personate a role to educate their children and led them to a brighter future.In the case whereby a child is left unattended due to his/her parent's busy schedules,the child may end up becoming emotionally unstable due to the lacking satisfaction of love.There are many negative possibilities in a case like this so it is nevertheless the best policy for parents to stay at home with their young children to ensure the security of them growing up smoothly.
Another adequate reason why i felt that parents should not go to work when their children are still young,partially because it might result in a misunderstanding between the parents and their children.The children will probably be suffering in lonely silence with the thinking that their parents do not care for them,worst comes to worst,they may even begin to hate their parents for settling them in this loneliness.
Furthermore,there are examples which shown that parents who left their young children in the care of another guardian always ended up not having a close relationship with their children.This is because the attachment of the children to their guardians, who've taken care of them,are even closer than their parents,who have been busy with their work instead.This will inflict further arising conflicts between the parents and their children caused by miscommunication.
Parents have ever fundamental right to decide on their own whether they want to continue working during the growth of their young children, but i encourage the choices of taking a break from work and spend it with their children.In contrary,if they want the well-beings of their children to grow up peacefully without any harms and knowing rights from wrongs,it is advisable to seek accompanionship together with their children.
-Should parents go out to work when their children are still young.
Flight
As the sun touched the horizon, I reminisced about still being in your embrace. I always had a fear of the dark and everytime the sun went down, I knew in my heart, that the sun was always up and brightly shining on me, because of you.
"Where have you gone?" I constantly asked myself.
This dream of independence had always been part of me but never once, I wanted it to be given this way.
My parents and siblings were in a car crash last week and sadly, I was the sole survivor.
"Why didn't I die with you?" I questioned myself again.
I knew, with each passing day, the suffering was going to get worst. Fate was definitely against me. I had to end this suffering, I was determined to live on and make them proud. Show them what wonders I wielded and be what they have always dreamt I would be. The problem now was, where do I start? In the financial status I had now, it was only enough to last me for, maybe, another half year. I had to work from the bottom up. No time to lose.
I went back to school the next day only to be pushed around by one of my classmates. Add that to my current setbacks, stir. Fuming, I clenched my fist, punched the lights out of him and ran out of school. Eventually I collapsed with exhaustion.
I woke up remembering nothing and only seeing a white ceiling. "Was I in heaven?" I wondered.
"Where have you gone?" I constantly asked myself.
This dream of independence had always been part of me but never once, I wanted it to be given this way.
My parents and siblings were in a car crash last week and sadly, I was the sole survivor.
"Why didn't I die with you?" I questioned myself again.
I knew, with each passing day, the suffering was going to get worst. Fate was definitely against me. I had to end this suffering, I was determined to live on and make them proud. Show them what wonders I wielded and be what they have always dreamt I would be. The problem now was, where do I start? In the financial status I had now, it was only enough to last me for, maybe, another half year. I had to work from the bottom up. No time to lose.
I went back to school the next day only to be pushed around by one of my classmates. Add that to my current setbacks, stir. Fuming, I clenched my fist, punched the lights out of him and ran out of school. Eventually I collapsed with exhaustion.
I woke up remembering nothing and only seeing a white ceiling. "Was I in heaven?" I wondered.
2006, Qn.4, Given the limited land available in Singapore, is it wise to set aside some areas as nature reserves?
Singapore is a small country with space constraints all around the country. In order for the government to maximize land space in every part of Singapore, nature reserves are always being reclaimed to make way for development. However, I do not agree with what the governments are doing.
Land is needed to be set aside as nature reserves as it will benefit people, flora and fauna and the environment. It will benefit people as a nature park can be used for recreational activities. During the weekend, parents can take their time off from their busy schedule and bring their family to the nature reserves. They can go for hiking and picnic. They also can organize party and gathering at the beach as an alternative instead of the usual restaurant or food centers. The air at the nature reserves are much cleaner as it is not so polluted compared to the city area. Educational tour can be conducted at the nature reserve to educate the young to protect the environment and also allow them to know the natural beauty of the reserve. If not, by the time they grow up and the children may not even seen or know what does a nature reserve look like.
Nature reserves are needed to set aside for the flora and fauna as it is their habitat. By depleting the nature reserve, there will be a great loss in biodiversity and the food chain will be disrupted which lead to the extinction of flora and fauna. Some floras found in the nature reserve are of medicinal value. Most of them are not full explored. With the nature reserve being reclaimed, it will narrow down the range of plants that have medicinal value. Fauna may become extinct also as when their natural habitats are being destroyed, they cannot find a suitable place to stay they will go around the neighbourhood in search of food and will cause a greater damaged. They will not be able to breed successfully as they are in the wild as their natural habitat is lost.
The environment is also a factor. They are known as the ‘Green Lungs of the Earth’ as they replenish the oxygen supply and remove carbon dioxide from the air. During photosynthesis, the trees and other parts in the nature reserve take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and give out oxygen. As carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, reducing the amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere prevents global temperature s from rising and helps to regulate the temperature. Also when it rain, the soil layers help to filter impurities found in the rainwater by trapping them between the pore spaces. The rainwater will then seeps underground. The vegetation cover intercepts the rainwater and reduces the speed and flow of rainwater on the ground. This prevents soil particles from being washed into the river. Therefore, the water collected in the river is of better quality as it contains fewer soil particles and impurities compared to urban area when the ground are covered with concrete surfaces.
On the other hand, it is not recommended to set aside some areas as nature reserve as there are more urgent need of land for other purposes due to the economic, housing, recreation and tourist attractions. Singapore being a developed country, people are having a higher standard of living which have a good economy, attracts more foreigners coming to Singapore for jobs and education. Given Singapore limited amount of land area, nature reserve have to make way for the building of housing to house this foreigner. Tourist also comes to Singapore for tours during their vacation. In order for Singapore to bring in more revenue for the economy, nature reserves have to be reclaimed to build more tourist attraction.
In conclusion, I still think it is still wise to set aside some areas as nature reserve as it will benefit people for recreational activities and educational tours, animals as that is their habitat that they live in and the environment as it provide us with cleaner water and more cleaner air.
2006 question 5 - Long School Vacation Break
''FINALLY, it is here!!!'', this is a cliche phrase which I would always hear when nearing the vacation break. Vacation break is what every student yearns for as it is a time to allow the student to have a break after months of hectic and pressurising life in school.
During any school term, every student would have the same fate, which is receiving a considerable amount of homework daily, having monthly tests , enrichment and other activities such as Co-Curriculum Activities. A school is akin to a student's second home. Just like any other students, I would spend an average of nine hours in school on a school day. Even after a long tiring day in school, there is still a pile of homework undone, waiting for the student to complete. The cycle continues the next day. Therefore personally , I feel the importance of vacation breaks as they enables me to spend more time at home with my family, going out with friends and having more freedom in what i do.
During any school term, every student would have the same fate, which is receiving a considerable amount of homework daily, having monthly tests , enrichment and other activities such as Co-Curriculum Activities. A school is akin to a student's second home. Just like any other students, I would spend an average of nine hours in school on a school day. Even after a long tiring day in school, there is still a pile of homework undone, waiting for the student to complete. The cycle continues the next day. Therefore personally , I feel the importance of vacation breaks as they enables me to spend more time at home with my family, going out with friends and having more freedom in what i do.
A Dream
"Ah, this is the place," I thought, " finally..."
After a long drive, i finally reached the abandoned island. I dismounted from my car. Once again, the smell of salt filled my nostrils. At a glance, i saw the decrepit and desolated mansion. My leg began to move towards the mansion. With every step i took, my heart pounded harder.
Within minutes, I reached the mansion. I stretched my hand and pushed the frozen-cold door. Upon reaching the main hall, it looked so grand, with a chandelier hanging above. I set out to look for the room where my desires lies. After a long search, i have finally found the room, in the windowless corridor.
" Push the door! Go on! It is not far away!" I thought.
Indeed, it is difficult to resist tempatation. Again, i stretched my hand, longing for the door to open.
Five metres...three metres...one metre...I have finally reached the door, after what seemed like a long journey. The door opened. The room is humongous, without windows but a mirror, with a dim light within
" Yes this is it!" , i whispered to myself. I took a step forward...
The room began to vanish except for the mirror, I found myself in a dense forest.
" Continue running! Do not look back!"
These words urged my feet on. I was never one for running but the note of urgency in my mind's voice accelerated my instincts for survival and canoed my sweat glands to get to work. The thorns and out hanging branches of shrubs around me, seemed to develop a liking for my bare arms. I winced when one nasty thorn embedded itself deep in my flesh. A cry of pain rose but was hastily checked it before it warned my enemies of my presences.
A rustle and this time, I really wished it had been the wind for the sharp poke in my back confirmed that my enemy , whoever he was, had caught up with me. The very thought of turning around and facing him was not pleasant but I abandoned it in favour of curiosity.Ever so slowly, my pivot joint got to work and my neck turned around in the best position, and the face of my enemy came into view.
It was the most hideous face in the sense that I did not like the thick flat nostrils, the swollen lips and the small twinkling eyes. He was just like the primitive tribesman that I had studied in my geography book. The only difference was that he did not seem so friendly.
Soon, I was bounded by ropes, like a snake entangling itself on someone. To my dismay, there is not only one of the hideous captor, but more and they are identical. More of them started to pour towards me and carried me to what they called their village.
I am getting confused as there are so many of them, but there is one of them who stand out. He has the identical features as my captor, just that he was filled with colours - green coloured face with red coloured body. They are conversing in a funny language but I understood well enough what their conversation was about. They were discussing their menu for the day for I was young and my tender flesh would be delicious for making steak if it was carefully prepared.
The big pot was all ready and my captor even had a smile for me. That was not a nice smile for the canine teeth was most revolting, The women came out with sharpened knives and big planks for cutting boards. They were all ready to lay me out and chopped up their delicious meat. This time, I had no qualms about screaming, I filled my lungs with air and let out the desperate cries, a feat which i had never been able to accomplish except on the day I- was born.
They were all amused and nobody stopped me from crying. My throat was hoarse and tears washed my cheeks. The world was a cruel one to let me die so young. Then, they came. The hands that held me in their vice-like grip were gnarled and crooked. I bit them and I nearly broke my teeth. I saw the gleam of the knife poised in mid-air. It was like watching a tree falling in a weightless world. The sharp edge caught my throat and I though I heard my blood making a gurgling sound before it spurted out.
" Ahhhhh!" I screamed out aloud again and again.
What an overwhelming sensation caught hold of me and when I found myself safe and sound and perspiring in my cosy arm chair, hugging my Geography book close to me. Peeping at the photograph in it, I saw the grinning face of my captor. At least he seemed much friendlier than before!
Kelly WEEEE and Lynn Tang
After a long drive, i finally reached the abandoned island. I dismounted from my car. Once again, the smell of salt filled my nostrils. At a glance, i saw the decrepit and desolated mansion. My leg began to move towards the mansion. With every step i took, my heart pounded harder.
Within minutes, I reached the mansion. I stretched my hand and pushed the frozen-cold door. Upon reaching the main hall, it looked so grand, with a chandelier hanging above. I set out to look for the room where my desires lies. After a long search, i have finally found the room, in the windowless corridor.
" Push the door! Go on! It is not far away!" I thought.
Indeed, it is difficult to resist tempatation. Again, i stretched my hand, longing for the door to open.
Five metres...three metres...one metre...I have finally reached the door, after what seemed like a long journey. The door opened. The room is humongous, without windows but a mirror, with a dim light within
" Yes this is it!" , i whispered to myself. I took a step forward...
The room began to vanish except for the mirror, I found myself in a dense forest.
" Continue running! Do not look back!"
These words urged my feet on. I was never one for running but the note of urgency in my mind's voice accelerated my instincts for survival and canoed my sweat glands to get to work. The thorns and out hanging branches of shrubs around me, seemed to develop a liking for my bare arms. I winced when one nasty thorn embedded itself deep in my flesh. A cry of pain rose but was hastily checked it before it warned my enemies of my presences.
A rustle and this time, I really wished it had been the wind for the sharp poke in my back confirmed that my enemy , whoever he was, had caught up with me. The very thought of turning around and facing him was not pleasant but I abandoned it in favour of curiosity.Ever so slowly, my pivot joint got to work and my neck turned around in the best position, and the face of my enemy came into view.
It was the most hideous face in the sense that I did not like the thick flat nostrils, the swollen lips and the small twinkling eyes. He was just like the primitive tribesman that I had studied in my geography book. The only difference was that he did not seem so friendly.
Soon, I was bounded by ropes, like a snake entangling itself on someone. To my dismay, there is not only one of the hideous captor, but more and they are identical. More of them started to pour towards me and carried me to what they called their village.
I am getting confused as there are so many of them, but there is one of them who stand out. He has the identical features as my captor, just that he was filled with colours - green coloured face with red coloured body. They are conversing in a funny language but I understood well enough what their conversation was about. They were discussing their menu for the day for I was young and my tender flesh would be delicious for making steak if it was carefully prepared.
The big pot was all ready and my captor even had a smile for me. That was not a nice smile for the canine teeth was most revolting, The women came out with sharpened knives and big planks for cutting boards. They were all ready to lay me out and chopped up their delicious meat. This time, I had no qualms about screaming, I filled my lungs with air and let out the desperate cries, a feat which i had never been able to accomplish except on the day I- was born.
They were all amused and nobody stopped me from crying. My throat was hoarse and tears washed my cheeks. The world was a cruel one to let me die so young. Then, they came. The hands that held me in their vice-like grip were gnarled and crooked. I bit them and I nearly broke my teeth. I saw the gleam of the knife poised in mid-air. It was like watching a tree falling in a weightless world. The sharp edge caught my throat and I though I heard my blood making a gurgling sound before it spurted out.
" Ahhhhh!" I screamed out aloud again and again.
What an overwhelming sensation caught hold of me and when I found myself safe and sound and perspiring in my cosy arm chair, hugging my Geography book close to me. Peeping at the photograph in it, I saw the grinning face of my captor. At least he seemed much friendlier than before!
Kelly WEEEE and Lynn Tang
2007 Paper 1 Question 3 :D
Gray was a young,energetic,earnest,modest,responsible and diligent basketball player in the past.He inspired to be a number 1 basketball player like Michael Jordan and through years of massive training,he managed to win many national competition.Thus,he gained the support of many people and the girls' in school were all crazy about him.However,Gray changed drastically over the years.He became ignorant,proud and he might have thought that he was already a professional,so he slacks during trainings.
Then on one fateful competition,the whole team lost mainly because of him.A few months before the competition,the team trained vigorously almost everyday except for him.Many people distance themselves away from him because he was not training hard enough and he even ordered the teammates around.As his best friend,I've seen the changes in him and the way his friends treated him and talked to him about it before.But he not only did not take my advice,he even ignored me for a few days.After we have reconcilled,I did not dare to bring it up anymore.
During the competition,he did not display teamwork and whenever he has the ball in his hands,he wouldn't want to pass it to his teammates,instead he tried to show off and score the points himself.The whole competition seems like a one man show which eventually leads to the victory of the opponent.At the time when the competition ended and the winner was announced,many people couldn't belive it,especially me.I could hear people sighing,crying and grumbling about the whole game.Some was even too shocked that they stared into space with their jaw hanging open widely.As for me,i knew how he felt at that moment and went to look for him.I found him in the restroom and saw tears welling up in his eyes.Without thinking twice,I ran towards him and comfort him by giving him a hug.I knew he felt terrible.
He absent himself from school for a few days as he was ashamed of himself and couldn't face the people who has put faith in him.During his absence,I've heard negative feedback about him.His teammates said it serves him right for being so bossy and for his bad character.Some people also felt sorry for him.I went to visit him to see his condition as well as to encourage him.Even though he failed this time round,he still have other oppurtunites and there were still a lot of people supporting him.As the saying goes,when one door shuts,another opens and where there is life there is hope.He told me he felt useless and remorseful but i comforted him that success comes with failures and he should never give up his dream.Perhaps he felt enlightened by my words..he came back to school and continued to work extra hard to acheive his dream.
Over the next few years,he slowly tried to gain back the supports and respect of people and his teammates that he had once lost.Although the road was tough and full of obstacles,he overcome the difficulties in life.He learned from his mistakes and now you can see him playing in the NBA along with Michael Jordan.
Cylvi & Liyan
We are very proud of Gray.
This is a life account.
Then on one fateful competition,the whole team lost mainly because of him.A few months before the competition,the team trained vigorously almost everyday except for him.Many people distance themselves away from him because he was not training hard enough and he even ordered the teammates around.As his best friend,I've seen the changes in him and the way his friends treated him and talked to him about it before.But he not only did not take my advice,he even ignored me for a few days.After we have reconcilled,I did not dare to bring it up anymore.
During the competition,he did not display teamwork and whenever he has the ball in his hands,he wouldn't want to pass it to his teammates,instead he tried to show off and score the points himself.The whole competition seems like a one man show which eventually leads to the victory of the opponent.At the time when the competition ended and the winner was announced,many people couldn't belive it,especially me.I could hear people sighing,crying and grumbling about the whole game.Some was even too shocked that they stared into space with their jaw hanging open widely.As for me,i knew how he felt at that moment and went to look for him.I found him in the restroom and saw tears welling up in his eyes.Without thinking twice,I ran towards him and comfort him by giving him a hug.I knew he felt terrible.
He absent himself from school for a few days as he was ashamed of himself and couldn't face the people who has put faith in him.During his absence,I've heard negative feedback about him.His teammates said it serves him right for being so bossy and for his bad character.Some people also felt sorry for him.I went to visit him to see his condition as well as to encourage him.Even though he failed this time round,he still have other oppurtunites and there were still a lot of people supporting him.As the saying goes,when one door shuts,another opens and where there is life there is hope.He told me he felt useless and remorseful but i comforted him that success comes with failures and he should never give up his dream.Perhaps he felt enlightened by my words..he came back to school and continued to work extra hard to acheive his dream.
Over the next few years,he slowly tried to gain back the supports and respect of people and his teammates that he had once lost.Although the road was tough and full of obstacles,he overcome the difficulties in life.He learned from his mistakes and now you can see him playing in the NBA along with Michael Jordan.
Cylvi & Liyan
We are very proud of Gray.
This is a life account.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Ng Yao Zhong - Motorcyclist dies fleeing police
Mr Ahmad Mohammad Iskandar, 22 this year, drove without a license to the mosque and got chased after a police car. He tried to escape by driving pass red light at junction of Sims Avenue and Sims Way but unfortunately he crash with a taxi and the impact send him flying to his pillion and died on the spot on June 24 during dawn with his pillion injured with fractured arms and legs, taxi driver suffered serious injuries and another motorcyclist with knee abrasion trying to avoid the collision.
Personal Views:
This accident will teach a lesson to those who drive without license, you let your parents worried for you when you are outside driving. When you got into an accident you do not just get yourselves hurt but the other driver too and unfortunately for his pillion who happened to get hit by Iskandar got hurt fractured.
Driving without a license is like digging your own grave the possibility of you getting caught by the police and get into an accident is much more higher since you did not gone through basic road rules.Well its all over now Rest In Peace Mr Ahmad Mohammad Iskandar (R.I.P). Prayers.
Personal Views:
This accident will teach a lesson to those who drive without license, you let your parents worried for you when you are outside driving. When you got into an accident you do not just get yourselves hurt but the other driver too and unfortunately for his pillion who happened to get hit by Iskandar got hurt fractured.
Driving without a license is like digging your own grave the possibility of you getting caught by the police and get into an accident is much more higher since you did not gone through basic road rules.Well its all over now Rest In Peace Mr Ahmad Mohammad Iskandar (R.I.P). Prayers.
LIM WAN JIE (:
Passport blunders leave S'poreans stranded
SINGAPOREANS are a negligent lot when it comes to passports, travel agents told The Straits Times on Wednesday.
It is not common for travellers to make a mad dash to the airport with the wrong passport, some said, but added that,more often, they show up at the airport with expired passports or without the required visas.
Some forget their passports altogether.
Travel agencies contacted by The Straits Times say they make it a practice to call travellers before their flights with reminders to pack their passports and check that everything is in order.
Despite this, one in 10 will goof up every month.
At least one travel agency, Hong Thai Travel, has briefed its employees to be more vigilant about passports following an incident on Monday in which a 61-year-old retiree cleared all checks at Changi Airport's Budget Terminal after having mistakenly taken his son's passport.
He realised the error during his flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival and informing the Vietnamese authorities, he was immediately put on a return flight here.
Agents said passengers without travel papers in order inconvenience others. Some cause flight delays; a number miss their flights altogether.
Personal response :
I feel that one should not be fined when they brought the wrong passport when checked in. He can not be blamed to have being so blur because it is just a misunderstanding. Most people can be so blur until when the passport is overdue , they do not even know. Until they reach the airport, realising that passport have already expired , then it is just too late. However , one should be responsible to check for their own belongings to prevent flight delays. I hate flight delay because when i am in beijing, the flight was delayed for 3 hours. How bad could it be when you can actually do nothing in the plane but just to wait.
SINGAPOREANS are a negligent lot when it comes to passports, travel agents told The Straits Times on Wednesday.
It is not common for travellers to make a mad dash to the airport with the wrong passport, some said, but added that,more often, they show up at the airport with expired passports or without the required visas.
Some forget their passports altogether.
Travel agencies contacted by The Straits Times say they make it a practice to call travellers before their flights with reminders to pack their passports and check that everything is in order.
Despite this, one in 10 will goof up every month.
At least one travel agency, Hong Thai Travel, has briefed its employees to be more vigilant about passports following an incident on Monday in which a 61-year-old retiree cleared all checks at Changi Airport's Budget Terminal after having mistakenly taken his son's passport.
He realised the error during his flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival and informing the Vietnamese authorities, he was immediately put on a return flight here.
Agents said passengers without travel papers in order inconvenience others. Some cause flight delays; a number miss their flights altogether.
Personal response :
I feel that one should not be fined when they brought the wrong passport when checked in. He can not be blamed to have being so blur because it is just a misunderstanding. Most people can be so blur until when the passport is overdue , they do not even know. Until they reach the airport, realising that passport have already expired , then it is just too late. However , one should be responsible to check for their own belongings to prevent flight delays. I hate flight delay because when i am in beijing, the flight was delayed for 3 hours. How bad could it be when you can actually do nothing in the plane but just to wait.
LIM WAN JIE (:
Research on membrane technology may produce cheaper water
SINGAPORE: The cost of water may be halved within the next 10 years as researchers work on membrane technology which requires very little use of energy. Mangrove plants may hold the key to cheaper water in future. They have a natural way of desalinating brackish water. Dr Andrew Benedek, winner of the inaugural Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize, said: "It desalinates by focusing special proteins and enzymes to take the salt out of the leaves and it collects on the leaves and then eventually water washes it away." Researchers are using such examples to think of how they can develop membranes to work in a similar way. Dr Benedek said research into membranes that do not use energy has already begun and he is confident that solutions can be found within the next decade. He said: "Today, the cost of energy for desalination plant is as much as 50 per cent. It could be as low as 35 per cent, depending on the water conditions. If you are able to reduce that, then of course... you could potentially halve the cost."
Personal response :
I am rather satisfied and glad to be a Singaporean. The goverment are doing everything for the sake of all citizens. Water is very precious. We need water to survive. Not only does we need to survive , we need it for daily use. A few years back , the goverment built up a NEWater scheme to decrease the amount of water used. The recycled the water and cleaned them thoroughly for us to drink. Now , the prices are going down sooner or later. These mean that people can cut down the cost on water for something else.We should conserve water from now on , not only for us , but for our future children .
SINGAPORE: The cost of water may be halved within the next 10 years as researchers work on membrane technology which requires very little use of energy. Mangrove plants may hold the key to cheaper water in future. They have a natural way of desalinating brackish water. Dr Andrew Benedek, winner of the inaugural Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize, said: "It desalinates by focusing special proteins and enzymes to take the salt out of the leaves and it collects on the leaves and then eventually water washes it away." Researchers are using such examples to think of how they can develop membranes to work in a similar way. Dr Benedek said research into membranes that do not use energy has already begun and he is confident that solutions can be found within the next decade. He said: "Today, the cost of energy for desalination plant is as much as 50 per cent. It could be as low as 35 per cent, depending on the water conditions. If you are able to reduce that, then of course... you could potentially halve the cost."
Personal response :
I am rather satisfied and glad to be a Singaporean. The goverment are doing everything for the sake of all citizens. Water is very precious. We need water to survive. Not only does we need to survive , we need it for daily use. A few years back , the goverment built up a NEWater scheme to decrease the amount of water used. The recycled the water and cleaned them thoroughly for us to drink. Now , the prices are going down sooner or later. These mean that people can cut down the cost on water for something else.We should conserve water from now on , not only for us , but for our future children .
Ng Yao Zhong - Japan to restore perks for using solar power
Japan is using solar power for houses and decided to equip more than 70 percent of the new build houses with solar panel. They subsidies part of the money needed to build solar panel in each household during 1994 to 2005 but they stop cooperating with Q-Cells a Germany company due to its overtaking Japan's first supplier of solar cells Sharp Corp. The reason they did this was to become a global leader in green energy and also to cut down the emission of greenhouse gas by 60 to 80 percent by 2050. They also decided to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels to improve its green credentials.
Personal View:
Japan had decided to be one of the global leader in green energy is quite an irony because Japanese use about 30 billion plastic bags a year an amount equivalent to a full day's worth of crude oil imports and they lose tens of thousands of umbrellas on trains every year.But still they decided to cut down the amount of greenhouse gas produce by them and save the mother earth which is sick and it is one of the reason why temperature in Singapore is rising and floods occurring over the world.
Personal View:
Japan had decided to be one of the global leader in green energy is quite an irony because Japanese use about 30 billion plastic bags a year an amount equivalent to a full day's worth of crude oil imports and they lose tens of thousands of umbrellas on trains every year.But still they decided to cut down the amount of greenhouse gas produce by them and save the mother earth which is sick and it is one of the reason why temperature in Singapore is rising and floods occurring over the world.
Lim Wan Jie (:
Price of rice likely to fall in next few months
THE price of rice coming into Singapore is likely to fall in the next several months, say importers, who predict the drop will spell some relief for consumers battered by record-high prices. Buoyed by a surge in supply - based in part on an expected bumper crop from Thailand - the price of fragrant rice could tumble to US$1,000 (S$1,370) a tonne by year-end, importers forecast.That is 18 per cent lower than its peak last month. This could translate into a roughly 80-cent drop for a 10kg bag of rice at the grocery store, said Mr Jimmy Soh, owner of rice importer Chye Choon Foods. Experts say that, although fragrant rice prices may fall, they are unlikely to hit the lows of September last year when a tonne of the grain cost US$600.
Personal response :
After months of receiving bad news about the price of rice rising , it is happy to hear that it is going to drop soon. However , it will not be as low as it would be. People nowadays prefer to eat any other food than rice to cut down the cost they spend. Bad point about rice is that it will grow insects if they are kept for too long. Therefore , people can not buy to keep to prevent rice price growing again.Not only does rice price growing , other things are growing. People are worried that the cost of living would be very high and can not afford them , the poorer ones are worse. Everywhere we go , things we want to buy , we have to think twice. These in return causes the business of any shops to be affected. Even the well-known SengSiong ,a place where cheaper food are sold, prices of what they are selling are increasing drastically. If only , miracles would happen soon.
Price of rice likely to fall in next few months
THE price of rice coming into Singapore is likely to fall in the next several months, say importers, who predict the drop will spell some relief for consumers battered by record-high prices. Buoyed by a surge in supply - based in part on an expected bumper crop from Thailand - the price of fragrant rice could tumble to US$1,000 (S$1,370) a tonne by year-end, importers forecast.That is 18 per cent lower than its peak last month. This could translate into a roughly 80-cent drop for a 10kg bag of rice at the grocery store, said Mr Jimmy Soh, owner of rice importer Chye Choon Foods. Experts say that, although fragrant rice prices may fall, they are unlikely to hit the lows of September last year when a tonne of the grain cost US$600.
Personal response :
After months of receiving bad news about the price of rice rising , it is happy to hear that it is going to drop soon. However , it will not be as low as it would be. People nowadays prefer to eat any other food than rice to cut down the cost they spend. Bad point about rice is that it will grow insects if they are kept for too long. Therefore , people can not buy to keep to prevent rice price growing again.Not only does rice price growing , other things are growing. People are worried that the cost of living would be very high and can not afford them , the poorer ones are worse. Everywhere we go , things we want to buy , we have to think twice. These in return causes the business of any shops to be affected. Even the well-known SengSiong ,a place where cheaper food are sold, prices of what they are selling are increasing drastically. If only , miracles would happen soon.
LIM YI HUI - Hotels and shops in Tibet
Three months after anti-government riots in the Tibetan capital, the tourism industry is still suffering, with hotels almost empty and shop owners struggling to make ends meet. As hand-picked spectators cheered the Olympic flame through the city in a tightly controlled torch relay on Saturday, Tibetans and Chinese seemed to share the same despair that it will be a long time before tourists return in great numbers. Beijing barred all tourists from Tibet after a massivecrackdown on violence that erupted in Lhasa not long ago. Chinese tour groups are now allowed back but foreign visitors are still barred. The ban on tourism in Tibet has caused difficulties for many businesses.
Pesornal views: I always feel that the businessmen would suffer the most in times of war or riots in the country. This incident is not an exception either. Most of them are innocent people who just want to make a living by doing some businesses. However, the riots had caused them to have a drastic decrease in foreign customers and affect their daily income. Hope the situation in Tibet will improve soon. :)
Pesornal views: I always feel that the businessmen would suffer the most in times of war or riots in the country. This incident is not an exception either. Most of them are innocent people who just want to make a living by doing some businesses. However, the riots had caused them to have a drastic decrease in foreign customers and affect their daily income. Hope the situation in Tibet will improve soon. :)
LIM YI HUI - Unclean water kills 4000 daily worldwide
The World Health Organisations(WHO) has estimated that: Polluted drinking water will kill around 1.6 million people this year unless the government around the world make a concerted effort to clean up their supplies. Over 4000 people die each day from water-bourne and some 700 million people in Asia alone lack easy access to safe drinking water. The number is still rising. Dr James Bertnam, coordinator of the WHO's Water, Sanitation and Health Programme, said that we must anticipate long-term water shortages caused by rising demand and climate change.
Personal view: I realised how fortunate I am to be able to live in Singapore, without having to worry about the shortages of water or the water being polluted. It is rather sad to learn that people from other parts of the world are experiencing shortage of water, drinking unclean water which would affect their health. And it could lead to death for certain cases. I think the government of countries having such problems should convey the seriousness of the water situation to their citizens and also educate them on how to improve the water conditions.
Personal view: I realised how fortunate I am to be able to live in Singapore, without having to worry about the shortages of water or the water being polluted. It is rather sad to learn that people from other parts of the world are experiencing shortage of water, drinking unclean water which would affect their health. And it could lead to death for certain cases. I think the government of countries having such problems should convey the seriousness of the water situation to their citizens and also educate them on how to improve the water conditions.
Ng Yao Zhong - Fourth varsity: 2,500 places, focus on skills across fields
Mentioned on last year August that there will be a fourth university in Singapore which include 3 different kind of skills engineering, design and business. The purpose of the fourth university is to increase the enrollment rates for undergraduates from 25 percent currently to 30 percent which is around 2,400 places and is equally divided for the polytechnic graduates and junior-college students. Besides the fourth university, the government also recommends: building a small liberal arts college in National University of Singapore, introduce new programmes to all 3 university and last of all expanding the polytechnic niche degree programmes. The fourth university will be a little different from the others instead of a chosen skill the will learn skills across fields.
Personal Views:
Its good news that the fourth university is going to be build soon which means that our country is still developing and people are working in the tertiary industrial. The fourth university is kind of unique due to the way they pick up their skills which also give more chances to other polytechnic graduates and junior-college students to further their studies. Students with one of these skills will be a help to the economy next time.
Personal Views:
Its good news that the fourth university is going to be build soon which means that our country is still developing and people are working in the tertiary industrial. The fourth university is kind of unique due to the way they pick up their skills which also give more chances to other polytechnic graduates and junior-college students to further their studies. Students with one of these skills will be a help to the economy next time.
LIM YI HUI - Next target: Cut energy use
"Singapore has to work harder at cutting down energy usage," said the National Development Minister Man Bow Tan. Singapore has scored relatively well on the water and land usage fronts but not on the energy side. He added that the government would definitely take actions to improve the situation. Singaporeans, as consumers also have to contribute their part into understanding the amount of energy that their various appliances use up, and opt for energy-saving versions instead. Certainly, there are challenges as Singapore seeks to cut down on its energy usage. Upfront costs may be a bit higher but it is a must to spend.
Personal views: With respect to water, we have done very well: How do we save water? How do we make sure that water is reused and recycled? On land, we have also done rather well- better utilisation of land. Therefore, I am sure that the energy side will also improve, so long as each Singaporean individuals contribute.
Personal views: With respect to water, we have done very well: How do we save water? How do we make sure that water is reused and recycled? On land, we have also done rather well- better utilisation of land. Therefore, I am sure that the energy side will also improve, so long as each Singaporean individuals contribute.
Ng Yao Zhong - Security checks tightened at Changi Airport
Security checks at Changi Airport's terminals appear to be tightened due to what happened recently. A retiree being let through for a flight to Vietnam on Monday using his son's passport. In the News and the papers reported that the 61 year old retiree Ang Heng Soon, got hasty and grab the wrong passport when he is catching his plane to Vietnam. Airlines said that they were taking Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng statement seriously and is taking precaution. The job of the officers was to check the passengers' name and faces using their travel documents before they will allowed to approach the Immigration Automated Clearance System.
Personal Views:
This mistake made is probably due to complacency of the officer which will be a grave mistake if the person who left the country is one of the wanted villains we are after. This mistake will cause Singapore to lose reputation even though its the first time after so long but, Singapore government took actions the following day which all the airports terminal got extras officers stationed at the entrance to ensure that this incident will not happen again. Singapore government efficiency is one of the fastest among all other countries which lead Singapore to develop well.
Personal Views:
This mistake made is probably due to complacency of the officer which will be a grave mistake if the person who left the country is one of the wanted villains we are after. This mistake will cause Singapore to lose reputation even though its the first time after so long but, Singapore government took actions the following day which all the airports terminal got extras officers stationed at the entrance to ensure that this incident will not happen again. Singapore government efficiency is one of the fastest among all other countries which lead Singapore to develop well.
LIM YI HUI - Doctor that thinks out of the box
Recently, an anaethetist puts her hands into another good use: making gift boxes out of her unwanted objects, from friends and home, which she sells for charity. In between seeing patients, the self- professed handicraft enthusiast can often be seen folding and gluing in the hospital, with curious nurses surrounding her.The mother of three has created more than 500 boxes this year for various charitable causes. Up to date, she has recycled more than a thousand greeting cards and is still wanting to recycle more.
Personal view: I like her attitute- willing to fork out her free time to create the gift boxes to raise money for the charity. I think everyone should learn to be like her having her spirit of helping others.
Personal view: I like her attitute- willing to fork out her free time to create the gift boxes to raise money for the charity. I think everyone should learn to be like her having her spirit of helping others.
jonathan khoo-gamblers
According to the Straits Times,there were many Singaporeans gambling away all their money with the bulk of bets going towards 4-D.Surveys releaved that there were residents spending hundreds of millions on both horse racing and toto
there is an increase of Singapore Pools outlet and now even the operator also takes wages over the phone.Most people believe that their lucky numbers willcome around some day.
personal comment-I think that these people are just wishing for those ideas that will only happen once in a blue moon.yes, there is a recent trend in the betting due to many people addited to it. i strongly feel that Singapore should not even continue to build this kind of 'entertainment'.the form of advancement that the Pool made, is continueing to lure many Singaporeans into the 'trap'.i hope that this trend will not continue further as it'll only bring harm than prosperity.
there is an increase of Singapore Pools outlet and now even the operator also takes wages over the phone.Most people believe that their lucky numbers willcome around some day.
personal comment-I think that these people are just wishing for those ideas that will only happen once in a blue moon.yes, there is a recent trend in the betting due to many people addited to it. i strongly feel that Singapore should not even continue to build this kind of 'entertainment'.the form of advancement that the Pool made, is continueing to lure many Singaporeans into the 'trap'.i hope that this trend will not continue further as it'll only bring harm than prosperity.
jonathan khoo- man dies sfter match
A group of 10 Chinese nationals were injured yesterday morning when the minibus they were in slammed into the back of a truck. One worker was knocked out cold by the impact but regained conciousness later. A second broke his nose. The 10 workers were taken to the Singapore General Hospital; 8 were treated for minor injuries. The crashed occured on the East Coast Parkway at 8.45am. After the minibus had hit the truck, a taxi crashed into it . This carsh renewed calls for seat belts to be fitted in all minibuses. schoolboy Russell Koh, eight was killed after being flung out of a minibus which had collided with two cars. The Transport Ministry acted last month, ordering that new school vans must come with seat belts.
personal view-i felt deeply hurt by the mishap.i think that the seat belts have to build into the vans as soon as possible os it'll lead to further mishap.this 'kind;' of accident kept occuring ,not once, not twice , but many times.i believe that the government would notwant to see singaporeans or other people getting hurt or even die. i hope that the traffic police could petrol so as to minimise any accident, or even fine those people that were not wearing any safety belts.
personal view-i felt deeply hurt by the mishap.i think that the seat belts have to build into the vans as soon as possible os it'll lead to further mishap.this 'kind;' of accident kept occuring ,not once, not twice , but many times.i believe that the government would notwant to see singaporeans or other people getting hurt or even die. i hope that the traffic police could petrol so as to minimise any accident, or even fine those people that were not wearing any safety belts.
jonathan khoo-mini bus crash
Once every 50 years, packs of rats will swarm through the hills and consume everything in their path. About 134,000 people died last month.Bamboos that has just harvast die after sometimes and this happens twice a century. Seeds, rice stocks, stripping ripening corn and paddy in the fields were eaten by the rats.Villages were affected greatly. They were too weak to flee and were dying as soon as thay knew it .Children are suffering from dehydration or diarrhoea.
personal view- i feel sad about the case. i think that the relevant government should lend a hand to help out those poor people.there were too many crops being destroyed that these poor people do not have anything to eat and drink and will die.the government should rescue them much earlier than to wait for so long and what's worse, the condition in myanmar is not improving.i do truly hope that they do get help soon and will not suffer from any more sufferings.
personal view- i feel sad about the case. i think that the relevant government should lend a hand to help out those poor people.there were too many crops being destroyed that these poor people do not have anything to eat and drink and will die.the government should rescue them much earlier than to wait for so long and what's worse, the condition in myanmar is not improving.i do truly hope that they do get help soon and will not suffer from any more sufferings.
jonathan khoo-rat crisis
Once every 50 years, packs of rats will swarm through the hills and consume everything in their path. About 134,000 people died last month.Bamboos that has just harvast die after sometimes and this happens twice a century. Seeds, rice stocks, stripping ripening corn and paddy in the fields were eaten by the rats.Villages were affected greatly. They were too weak to flee and were dying as soon as thay knew it .Children are suffering from dehydration or diarrhoea.
personal view- i felt sad about the case. i think that the government should lend a hand to help out those poor people.there were too many crops being destroyed that these poor people do not have anything to eat and drink and will die.the government should rescue them much earlier than to wait for so long and what's worse, the condition in myanmar is not improving.i hope that they do get help soon and will not suffer from any more sufferings.
personal view- i felt sad about the case. i think that the government should lend a hand to help out those poor people.there were too many crops being destroyed that these poor people do not have anything to eat and drink and will die.the government should rescue them much earlier than to wait for so long and what's worse, the condition in myanmar is not improving.i hope that they do get help soon and will not suffer from any more sufferings.
waiwai-mini bus crash leading to many casualties and death.
there were 10 Chinese nationals injured yesterday morning when a minibus slammed into the back of the truck. They were taken to a hospital and 8 were treated by minor injuries. The impact of the crash has sent a man hurtling forward. The crash renewed calls for sear belts to be fitted in all minibuses. The appeals begin in April when a schoolboy, eight, was killed after flung out of a minibus which has collided between two cars.
personal view- i am at the same time feeling sad and disappointed by their action.they should already known that singapore's law of traffic rules is to put on the seat belt whenever the person is in the car.i think that everybody should have the least sense of responsibility of thier actions.they are just gambling with thier own lives.i also think that cars travelling behing another vehicle should not stick too closely,i've this personal experience that shocked me. i saw a BMW following another lorry as if sticking to it's boot, the lorry jam break out of a sudden and the BMW crashed right into the lorry. i just simply thimk that our safety lies in our hands. i do hope that everyone treasures thier valuable life.
personal view- i am at the same time feeling sad and disappointed by their action.they should already known that singapore's law of traffic rules is to put on the seat belt whenever the person is in the car.i think that everybody should have the least sense of responsibility of thier actions.they are just gambling with thier own lives.i also think that cars travelling behing another vehicle should not stick too closely,i've this personal experience that shocked me. i saw a BMW following another lorry as if sticking to it's boot, the lorry jam break out of a sudden and the BMW crashed right into the lorry. i just simply thimk that our safety lies in our hands. i do hope that everyone treasures thier valuable life.
waiwai- rats causing food crisis an myanmar
Once every 50 years, packs of rats will swarm through the hills and consume everything in their path. About 134,000 people died last month.Bamboos that has just harvast die after sometimes and this happens twice a century. It is known as bamboo death.Seeds, rice stocks, stripping ripening corn and paddy in the fields were eaten by the rats.Villages were affected greatly. They were too weak to flee and were dying as soon as thay knew it .Children are suffering from dehydration or diarrhoea.
personal view- i felt greatly sad about these case. i think that the relevant government should lend a hand to help out those poor people.there were too many crops being destroyed that these poor people do not have anything to eat and drink and will die.the government should rescue them much earlier than to wait for so long and what's worse, the condition in myanmar is not improving.i do truly hope that they do get help soon and will not suffer from any more sufferings.
personal view- i felt greatly sad about these case. i think that the relevant government should lend a hand to help out those poor people.there were too many crops being destroyed that these poor people do not have anything to eat and drink and will die.the government should rescue them much earlier than to wait for so long and what's worse, the condition in myanmar is not improving.i do truly hope that they do get help soon and will not suffer from any more sufferings.
waiwai- man dies hours after soccer match
A group of 10 Chinese nationals were injured yesterday morning when the minibus they were in slammed into the back of a truck. One worker was knocked out cold by the impact but regained conciousness later. A second broke his nose. The 10 workers were taken to the Singapore General Hospital; 8 were treated for minor injuries. The crashed occured on the East Coast Parkway at 8.45am. After the minibus had hit the truck, a taxi crashed into it . This carsh renewed calls for seat belts to be fitted in all minibuses. schoolboy Russell Koh, eight was killed after being flung out of a minibus which had collided with two cars. The Transport Ministry acted last month, ordering that new school vans must come with seat belts.
personal view-i felt deeply hurt by the mishap.i think that the seat belts have to build into the vans as soon as possible os it'll lead to further mishap.this 'kind;' of accident kept occuring ,not once, not twice , but many times.i believe that the government would notwant to see singaporeans or other people getting hurt or even die. i hope that the traffic police could petrol so as to minimise any accident, or even fine those people that were not wearing any safety belts.
personal view-i felt deeply hurt by the mishap.i think that the seat belts have to build into the vans as soon as possible os it'll lead to further mishap.this 'kind;' of accident kept occuring ,not once, not twice , but many times.i believe that the government would notwant to see singaporeans or other people getting hurt or even die. i hope that the traffic police could petrol so as to minimise any accident, or even fine those people that were not wearing any safety belts.
Jasmine Loy- Airport security lapse leads to calls for more awareness
An airport security lapse has raised further concerns about complacency and what has been done to strengthen procedures.The passport mix-up - which allowed a man to fly out of the country using his son's passport – is the third security breach in six months. Mr Ang Heng Soon managed to check in for a Tiger Airways flight after mistakenly using his son's passport.The mistake was not spotted in spite of four levels of checks, enabling him to board his flight to Vietnam. He came back later after spotting his own error. The MP intends to raise this and other wider security concerns in Parliament. Law lecturer Mahdev Mohan at the Singapore Management University agreed. He added that while there cannot be a perfect system, officers need to be very aware of the wider implications of such human errors. While investigations are ongoing, Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng said scrutiny and supervision on the ground is being tightened.
Personal Response ;
I felt worried about it and thinks that the government should settle this kind of problem as soon as possible.
Personal Response ;
I felt worried about it and thinks that the government should settle this kind of problem as soon as possible.
Jasmine Loy- Four Americans, six Iraqis killed in Baghdad bomb blast
Two US soldiers, two American civilians and six Iraqis were killed in a bomb attack on Tuesday on municipal offices in Baghdad's eastern Shiite bastion of Sadr City.
The attack which the US military blamed on Shiite extremists occurred mid-morning shortly before district council elections were to take place, an Iraqi security official said.The American military said it detained a suspect soon after the attack. US embassy official W. Johann Schmonsees said that one of the civilians killed was a State Department employee and the other worked for the Defence Department. They were both attached to the American mission in Baghdad.The US military said two of its soldiers were killed in the blast and charged that the attack was carried out by Special Groups extremists. According to the military, Special Groups militants are trained, funded and armed by groups linked to Iran.
US troops quickly cordoned off the area surrounding the council offices, while Iraqi police sealed all the roads leading to the building. US military spokesman Major Mark Cheadle said the target of the attack had yet to be determined.The latest attack on US nationals comes a day after two American soldiers were killed and three wounded when they were fired on as they were leaving the council office of Madain town located south of Baghdad.
Personal Response ;
I felt sad for the recent decrease in violence in Baghdad and other regions of Iraq has led to an increased presence of US soldiers on the streets, most of them involved in restoring community services.But this has also made them vulnerable targets of militiamen and insurgent groups, especially in areas such as Sadr City where the troops fought raging battles earlier this year in which hundreds of people were killed.
The attack which the US military blamed on Shiite extremists occurred mid-morning shortly before district council elections were to take place, an Iraqi security official said.The American military said it detained a suspect soon after the attack. US embassy official W. Johann Schmonsees said that one of the civilians killed was a State Department employee and the other worked for the Defence Department. They were both attached to the American mission in Baghdad.The US military said two of its soldiers were killed in the blast and charged that the attack was carried out by Special Groups extremists. According to the military, Special Groups militants are trained, funded and armed by groups linked to Iran.
US troops quickly cordoned off the area surrounding the council offices, while Iraqi police sealed all the roads leading to the building. US military spokesman Major Mark Cheadle said the target of the attack had yet to be determined.The latest attack on US nationals comes a day after two American soldiers were killed and three wounded when they were fired on as they were leaving the council office of Madain town located south of Baghdad.
Personal Response ;
I felt sad for the recent decrease in violence in Baghdad and other regions of Iraq has led to an increased presence of US soldiers on the streets, most of them involved in restoring community services.But this has also made them vulnerable targets of militiamen and insurgent groups, especially in areas such as Sadr City where the troops fought raging battles earlier this year in which hundreds of people were killed.
waiwai-gamblers spent estimated $4.2b on 4-D
According to the Straits Times,there were many Singaporeans gambling away all their money with the bulk of bets going towards 4-D.Surveys releaved that there were residents spending hundreds of millions on both horse racing and toto....
"4-D is seen as an acceptable game and there's no stigma if one is seen queing up to buy it."there is an increase of Singapore Pools outlet and now even the operator also takes wages over the phone.Most people believe that their lucky numbers willcome around some day.
personal comment-I think that these people are just wishing for those ideas that will only happen once in a blue moon.yes, there is a recent trend in the betting due to many people addited to it. i strongly feel that Singapore should not even continue to build this kind of 'entertainment'.the form of advancement that the Pool made, is continueing to lure many Singaporeans into the 'trap'.i hope that this trend will not continue further as it'll only bring harm than prosperity.
"4-D is seen as an acceptable game and there's no stigma if one is seen queing up to buy it."there is an increase of Singapore Pools outlet and now even the operator also takes wages over the phone.Most people believe that their lucky numbers willcome around some day.
personal comment-I think that these people are just wishing for those ideas that will only happen once in a blue moon.yes, there is a recent trend in the betting due to many people addited to it. i strongly feel that Singapore should not even continue to build this kind of 'entertainment'.the form of advancement that the Pool made, is continueing to lure many Singaporeans into the 'trap'.i hope that this trend will not continue further as it'll only bring harm than prosperity.
Jasmine -Customs seizes largest haul of duty unpaid cigarettes this year
The Singapore Customs has seized the largest haul of duty-unpaid cigarettes this year, worth about S$2.1 million, and the duty and GST involved amounted to S$1.8 million. Six men - five Singaporeans, one Malaysian, aged between 38 and 52 years old - suspected to be involved in the case, were arrested for trying to smuggle in 233,500 packets, or a full container load of cigarettes.
Three vans and one saloon car involved in the case were also seized.
Acting on a tip-off, the Singapore Customs mounted a surveillance at a warehouse building along Lower Delta Road which led to the seizure.
All six men will be charged in court on June 25.
Response:
I am relieved that those who are involved in smuggling the cigarettes was arrested as what they have done is against the law.The police has proven themselves to be very effective by catching them in the nick of time before they could get to distribute the cigarettes and earned some quick cash.It would be unfair to other people who need to work hard and spent most of their time working to earn money for living as the smugglers receive more money despite the fact that they did not pay any hard work into it.Their act was illegal and thankfully a kind soul tip-off to the polices i urged everyone to learn from him.Fortunately,this problem is solved preventing many avoidable tragedy.
Three vans and one saloon car involved in the case were also seized.
Acting on a tip-off, the Singapore Customs mounted a surveillance at a warehouse building along Lower Delta Road which led to the seizure.
All six men will be charged in court on June 25.
Response:
I am relieved that those who are involved in smuggling the cigarettes was arrested as what they have done is against the law.The police has proven themselves to be very effective by catching them in the nick of time before they could get to distribute the cigarettes and earned some quick cash.It would be unfair to other people who need to work hard and spent most of their time working to earn money for living as the smugglers receive more money despite the fact that they did not pay any hard work into it.Their act was illegal and thankfully a kind soul tip-off to the polices i urged everyone to learn from him.Fortunately,this problem is solved preventing many avoidable tragedy.
Varian Ang- jailed again for underage sex
A TEENAGE girl lost a dare and had to give a man a kiss. But after the smack on the lips, the man took it further, meeting her in a toilet near a condominium pool, where they then had sex.
personal view - i feel that the man should had been for severely punish for taking advantage. But the girl should also be smart enough not to follow him into the toilet knowing that a bad outcome will happen
personal view - i feel that the man should had been for severely punish for taking advantage. But the girl should also be smart enough not to follow him into the toilet knowing that a bad outcome will happen
Lai Han- Aliens? Us?
Genetic material from outer space found in a meteorite in Australia may well have played a key role in the origin of life on earth, according to a study to be published on Sunday.
European and US scientists have proved for the first time two bits of genetic coding, called nucleobases, contained in the meteor fragment, are truly extraterrestrial.
Previous studies had suggested the space rocks, which hit earth about 40 years ago, might have been contaminated upon impact.
Both of the molecules identified, uracil and xanthine, "are present in our DNA and RNA," said lead author Zita Martins, a researcher at Imperial College London.
RNA, or ribonucleic acid, is another key part of the genetic coding that makes up our bodies.
These molecules would also have been essential to the still-mysterious alchemy that somehow gave rise, about four billion years ago, to life itself.
"We know that meteorites very similar to the Murchison meteorite, which is the one we analysed, were delivering the building blocks of life to earth 3.8 to 4.5 billion years ago," Martins told AFP in an interview.
Competing theories suggest nucleobases were synthesised closer to home, but Martins said the atmospheric conditions of early earth would have rendered that process difficult or impossible.
A team of European and US scientists showed the two types of molecules in the Australian meteorite contained a heavy form of carbon - carbon 13 - which could only have been formed in space.
"We believe early life may have adopted nucleobases from meteoric fragments for use in genetic coding, enabling them to pass on their successful features to subsequent generations," Martins said.
If so, this would have been the start of an evolutionary process leading over billions of years to all the flora and fauna - including human beings - in existence today.
The study, to be published in Earth Planetary Science Letters, also has implications for life on other planets.
"Because meteorites represent leftover materials from the formation of the solar system, the key components of life - including nucleobases - could be widespread in the cosmos," said co-author Mark Sephton, also at Imperial College London.
"As more and more of life's raw materials are discovered in objects from space, the possibility of life springing forth wherever the right chemistry is present becomes more likely," he said.
Uracil is an organic compound found in RNA, where it binds in a genetic base pair with another molecule, adenine.
Xanthine is not directly part of RNA or DNA, but participates in a series of chemical reactions inside the RNA of cells.
The two types of nucleobases and the ratio of light-to-heavy carbon molecules were identified through gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, technologies that were not available during earlier analyses of the now-famous meteorite.
Even so, said Martins, the process was extremely laborious and time-consuming, one reason it had not be carried out up to now by other scientists.
Personal views:
Us aliens? Maybe, we are almost the smartest things that ever happened. No? Then what has it got to do with monkeys being our "ancestors"? That makes them alien right? yes?
European and US scientists have proved for the first time two bits of genetic coding, called nucleobases, contained in the meteor fragment, are truly extraterrestrial.
Previous studies had suggested the space rocks, which hit earth about 40 years ago, might have been contaminated upon impact.
Both of the molecules identified, uracil and xanthine, "are present in our DNA and RNA," said lead author Zita Martins, a researcher at Imperial College London.
RNA, or ribonucleic acid, is another key part of the genetic coding that makes up our bodies.
These molecules would also have been essential to the still-mysterious alchemy that somehow gave rise, about four billion years ago, to life itself.
"We know that meteorites very similar to the Murchison meteorite, which is the one we analysed, were delivering the building blocks of life to earth 3.8 to 4.5 billion years ago," Martins told AFP in an interview.
Competing theories suggest nucleobases were synthesised closer to home, but Martins said the atmospheric conditions of early earth would have rendered that process difficult or impossible.
A team of European and US scientists showed the two types of molecules in the Australian meteorite contained a heavy form of carbon - carbon 13 - which could only have been formed in space.
"We believe early life may have adopted nucleobases from meteoric fragments for use in genetic coding, enabling them to pass on their successful features to subsequent generations," Martins said.
If so, this would have been the start of an evolutionary process leading over billions of years to all the flora and fauna - including human beings - in existence today.
The study, to be published in Earth Planetary Science Letters, also has implications for life on other planets.
"Because meteorites represent leftover materials from the formation of the solar system, the key components of life - including nucleobases - could be widespread in the cosmos," said co-author Mark Sephton, also at Imperial College London.
"As more and more of life's raw materials are discovered in objects from space, the possibility of life springing forth wherever the right chemistry is present becomes more likely," he said.
Uracil is an organic compound found in RNA, where it binds in a genetic base pair with another molecule, adenine.
Xanthine is not directly part of RNA or DNA, but participates in a series of chemical reactions inside the RNA of cells.
The two types of nucleobases and the ratio of light-to-heavy carbon molecules were identified through gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, technologies that were not available during earlier analyses of the now-famous meteorite.
Even so, said Martins, the process was extremely laborious and time-consuming, one reason it had not be carried out up to now by other scientists.
Personal views:
Us aliens? Maybe, we are almost the smartest things that ever happened. No? Then what has it got to do with monkeys being our "ancestors"? That makes them alien right? yes?
Varian Ang - NSF man fined $6,000 for molesting woman and teenage girl
A full-time national serviceman was fined a total of $6,000 on Thursday for touching the buttocks of a woman and a teenage girl.
Xu Zhengxiong, 21, pleaded guilty to the two offences which took place at HDB blocks in Punggol in July and September last year.A district court heard that a 41-year-old woman was outside her unit along the common corridor at about 10pm on July 5 when Xu came from behind and squeezed her left buttocks.Shocked, she turned around and saw Xu standing behind her. She shouted for help and alerted her husband who gave chase but lost Xu who fled down the stairs.On Sept 3, he struck again. He trailed a 14-year-old girl who was walking home near Punggol Plaza. When the girl reached her block and pressed the lift button, Xu followed her.As she entered the lift, she suddenly felt someone touching her buttocks. Xu immediately retracted his hand and walked away briskly when she turned around. She went home and called the police. The court heard that on both occasions, Xu had worn a cap. Xu was arrested the next day by a police ambush party. A third similar charge was taken into consideration. Xu could have been jailed for up to two years or fined or caned or received any two such punishments for each outrage of modesty charge.
personal view - i personally think that that man should receive a more servere punishment.
Xu Zhengxiong, 21, pleaded guilty to the two offences which took place at HDB blocks in Punggol in July and September last year.A district court heard that a 41-year-old woman was outside her unit along the common corridor at about 10pm on July 5 when Xu came from behind and squeezed her left buttocks.Shocked, she turned around and saw Xu standing behind her. She shouted for help and alerted her husband who gave chase but lost Xu who fled down the stairs.On Sept 3, he struck again. He trailed a 14-year-old girl who was walking home near Punggol Plaza. When the girl reached her block and pressed the lift button, Xu followed her.As she entered the lift, she suddenly felt someone touching her buttocks. Xu immediately retracted his hand and walked away briskly when she turned around. She went home and called the police. The court heard that on both occasions, Xu had worn a cap. Xu was arrested the next day by a police ambush party. A third similar charge was taken into consideration. Xu could have been jailed for up to two years or fined or caned or received any two such punishments for each outrage of modesty charge.
personal view - i personally think that that man should receive a more servere punishment.
Lai Han- Cannibalism
AN eight-year-old boy was kept chained in his cellar by his cannibal family while they skinned and ate parts of him a grotesque cannibal orgy.
Sobbing Ondrej Mauerova was rescued alive when a neighbour’s TV picked up footage from a camera filming his agony, a court in the Czech Republic has heard.
He had been partially skinned after monstrous mum Klara, 31, caged him for months while relatives who were also in a sick cult feasted on his raw flesh, an appalled judge was told yesterday.
The mum wept in a Czech court as her evil was exposed in a case echoing the Fritzl dungeon horror in Austria.
Go to our killers, cannibals and their victims special gallery
Ondrej and his helpless brother Jakub, nine, were kept in cages or handcuffed to tables as they were ritually Tortured, Burnt and Whipped with belts.
Their life of hell only ended when a neighbour in the city of Brno bought a CCTV baby monitor.
Instead of pictures of his newborn he was confronted by live images of Ondrej naked in the cellar — beaten and chained.
Cops swooped on the house next door and also freed a girl posing as an adopted sister aged 13 and clutching a teddy.
She later turned out to be 34 - and one of the torturers. The boys’ mum accused the woman - fellow cult member Barbora Skrlova — of brainwashing her. She wailed: "Terrible things have happened. I realise it and can’t understand how I could have allowed it."
The court in her home city heard the abuse of her children was co-ordinated via text messages sent by a leader of the Grail Movement cult - who was known only as the "Doctor".
Her sister Katerina was also involved.
The abuse trial of the boys’ mum, another relative and their bogus sister Skrlova - who fled and was later found posing as a boy in Norway - continues.
Three others also face charges.
Don't you just love cannibalism?! Makes me feel that the world is suffering from a scarity of food and we have to resort to eating each other. GROSSNESS OVERLOAD!
Sobbing Ondrej Mauerova was rescued alive when a neighbour’s TV picked up footage from a camera filming his agony, a court in the Czech Republic has heard.
He had been partially skinned after monstrous mum Klara, 31, caged him for months while relatives who were also in a sick cult feasted on his raw flesh, an appalled judge was told yesterday.
The mum wept in a Czech court as her evil was exposed in a case echoing the Fritzl dungeon horror in Austria.
Go to our killers, cannibals and their victims special gallery
Ondrej and his helpless brother Jakub, nine, were kept in cages or handcuffed to tables as they were ritually Tortured, Burnt and Whipped with belts.
Their life of hell only ended when a neighbour in the city of Brno bought a CCTV baby monitor.
Instead of pictures of his newborn he was confronted by live images of Ondrej naked in the cellar — beaten and chained.
Cops swooped on the house next door and also freed a girl posing as an adopted sister aged 13 and clutching a teddy.
She later turned out to be 34 - and one of the torturers. The boys’ mum accused the woman - fellow cult member Barbora Skrlova — of brainwashing her. She wailed: "Terrible things have happened. I realise it and can’t understand how I could have allowed it."
The court in her home city heard the abuse of her children was co-ordinated via text messages sent by a leader of the Grail Movement cult - who was known only as the "Doctor".
Her sister Katerina was also involved.
The abuse trial of the boys’ mum, another relative and their bogus sister Skrlova - who fled and was later found posing as a boy in Norway - continues.
Three others also face charges.
Don't you just love cannibalism?! Makes me feel that the world is suffering from a scarity of food and we have to resort to eating each other. GROSSNESS OVERLOAD!
Varian Ang -Driving while on the phone is illegal but what about... Eating? Shaving? Kissing?
Keeping both hands on the wheel, or eyes on the road, while driving is not a common practice among motorists here, given that many tend to eat, smoke or apply make-up at the same time. While it is clearly illegal to use a mobile phone while driving, the law does not specifically forbid other activities, such as eating or shaving, while driving.The Sunday Times found that almost every driver had engaged in distracting activities while navigating the roads, ranging from reading to having a morning shave.
personal view: i think that such activity should not be done while criving even though they are in a rush. it is dangerous to leave both hands off the wheel
personal view: i think that such activity should not be done while criving even though they are in a rush. it is dangerous to leave both hands off the wheel
Phua Yi Ting - The Caribbean monk seal is officially extinct.
"The Caribbean monk seal has become extinct.
The docile creatures were hunted for research, food and blubber, say biologists. The last confirmed sighting of a Caribbean monk seal was in 1952 between Jamaica and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's Fisheries Service confirmed Friday that the species is extinct.
Kyle Baker, a biologist for NOAA's Fisheries Service southeast region, said the species is the only seal to become extinct from human causes. The seals were first classified as endangered in 1967, and wildlife experts investigated several reported sightings over the past few decades. But officials determined they were other seal types.
The Caribbean monk seal, first discovered during Christopher Columbus' second voyage in 1494, once had a population of more than 250,000. But they became easy game for hunters because they often rested, gave birth or nursed their pups on beaches.
It's cousins, the Hawaiian and Mediterranean monk seals are in danger of going into extinction too."
Personal Views:
It saddens me a lot to read news like this.
Because extinction is final and it is so much more than simply death. Each species is unique and they can never be reproduced.
And this time, it is our fault. We are the coldest-blooded killers ever, we will kill innocent animals for our own profit and have no respect for anything that does not benefit us. We steal lives.
Not only are we causing the next greatest mass extinction ever, we are also causing climate change which will lead to further extinction! Everything has a purpose on this earth, and we have no rights to destroy them.
We fail to see that instead of changing the earth to suit us, we should adapt to the earth because the earth does not exist only for us.
We do not realise that us, the superior humans beings might one day be wipe out like the dinosaurs due to our own doings and be replaced with a better, kinder species that will treat the earth better.
And don't think the extinction of an animal does not concern you, we're all in the same food chain. One day, you or your loved ones will feel the impact.
So, stop being selfish. There are many, many things we can do to improve the situation like stop eating shark's fin, use lesser electricity so that the polar bears will no longer walk on thin ice, refusing to buy anything from the illegal wildlife trade (e.g. elephant ivory carvings and jewelry, tortoise and turtle shell accessories, big cat skins, reptile skin handbags, belts and shoes, porcupine quill coasters and lampshades, coral and shells, and many more.), etc. These can be done through education with the government's help.
Hopefully this will be a wake up call to the U.S. government. Even though the other seals' future are looking rather bleak now but I still hope they can be saved before the same thing happens to them. And there are still so many things we have not learn from these animals which are on the brink of extinction. We must save these animals for our future generations and not upset the balance.
Because a diverse wildlife is priceless.
Great tits cope well with warming
Researchers found that great tits are laying eggs earlier in the spring than they used to, keeping step with the earlier emergence of caterpillars. Writing in the journal Science, they point out that the same birds in the Netherlands have not managed to adjust. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) commented that other species are likely to fare much worse than great tits as temperatures rise. The chicks hatch and are fully grown within two weeks, so they need something that's really abundant - that's why they synchonise their breeding so hatching co-incides with the emergence of the caterpillars."
Personal Views:
Besides just being adorable, it also have a good sense of time and temperature. This creature is able to mangage it's time well compared to other birds. As they say early birds catches the worm, I say bird with good time management and a tiny thermometer in the brain catches the caterpillars. With plenty of food it is no wonder the Tits would not mind managing some time for their offspring.
Personal Views:
Besides just being adorable, it also have a good sense of time and temperature. This creature is able to mangage it's time well compared to other birds. As they say early birds catches the worm, I say bird with good time management and a tiny thermometer in the brain catches the caterpillars. With plenty of food it is no wonder the Tits would not mind managing some time for their offspring.
Kelly Wee-Marsiling burglar charged
AN ODD-JOB labourer was brought to court on Tuesday over a burglary at a Marsiling Lane flat which led to his accomplice's death fall.
Kamarudin Abdul Hussin, 34, allegedly broke into the fifth-floor flat of Madam Tan Bee Ean, 50, with Rahmat Latiff, 43, last Friday.
Rahmat panicked and escaped via the master bedroom on seeing the flat owner return from her morning stroll.
He landed 15m below with a thud.
Two men were seen carrying the hawker assistant into a car before driving off. He died about an hour later in Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
Kamarudin was remanded at Jurong Police Division until July 1.
If convicted, he faces a jail term of up to two years and a fine.
Personal comment: I feel that one should work for what they want instead of taking other's possession. Even if they manage to take it (for e.g. money), could they spend that money on their conscience? They're not handicapped,so they still stand a chance of being independent and work for what they want instead of committing crimes!
Kamarudin Abdul Hussin, 34, allegedly broke into the fifth-floor flat of Madam Tan Bee Ean, 50, with Rahmat Latiff, 43, last Friday.
Rahmat panicked and escaped via the master bedroom on seeing the flat owner return from her morning stroll.
He landed 15m below with a thud.
Two men were seen carrying the hawker assistant into a car before driving off. He died about an hour later in Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
Kamarudin was remanded at Jurong Police Division until July 1.
If convicted, he faces a jail term of up to two years and a fine.
Personal comment: I feel that one should work for what they want instead of taking other's possession. Even if they manage to take it (for e.g. money), could they spend that money on their conscience? They're not handicapped,so they still stand a chance of being independent and work for what they want instead of committing crimes!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Chengwee -Prostitute at 14, Aids activist today
Born the only daughter and the last of seven children to a village baker and his wife, she left school after just one month to hawk bread. Her father died when she was 10. Her mother remarried and took only the boys with her to Phnom Penh without her. She have to stay to look after her grandmother and helped villages harvest rice and wash clothes for tins of rice and salted fish. When she was 13, she accompanied a neighbour to PHnom Penh after he told her he knew where her mother and siblings lived. But the man abandoned her and in order to survive, she became a helper at the fruit stall. One day, a lady told her that she coud get her a job wa a prawn peeler which would earn lots. But it turn out that the lady sold her to a couple who ran a brothel near Thai border. She would have to have sex with men to pay the couples.Due to the refusal , she was locked in a tiny dark room and denied food for a week. Worst of all she was tortured by electric wires until she summits. Every day she was forced to have sex with between thiree to ten men. One day she fled from the brothel and ended up in a village and hid herself in the rubbish bin. She then reunited with her mother but due to presence of AIDs in her body, her mother throw her out of the house. A world vision trauma recovery centre helps to change her life and in the end she bacame a speaker at international conferences who inspired many listeners .
Personal comments: I felt pity for the girl of such small age but had to suffer this kind of fate of being forced into sexuality. I fet that the mother should not have abandon her daughter at the first place and even the second time they met. Even though the girl has contracted with HIV, she is still the daughter of the mother and the mother has the responsibilty of taking good care of her no matter what happens. It is really a bad experience and chidhood and it is difficult even for us to even face the crowd, yet she has the conffidence and courage to stand up and that has really inspired me. This is the type of spirit that each and every single one of us should have and to stand up again from a fall. She is really a very good role model that everyone of us should learn from!
Personal comments: I felt pity for the girl of such small age but had to suffer this kind of fate of being forced into sexuality. I fet that the mother should not have abandon her daughter at the first place and even the second time they met. Even though the girl has contracted with HIV, she is still the daughter of the mother and the mother has the responsibilty of taking good care of her no matter what happens. It is really a bad experience and chidhood and it is difficult even for us to even face the crowd, yet she has the conffidence and courage to stand up and that has really inspired me. This is the type of spirit that each and every single one of us should have and to stand up again from a fall. She is really a very good role model that everyone of us should learn from!
Zhang Wenjie-More poor Indonesians sending kids to orphanage
Summary:
Many Indonesian kids live in orphanage because their parents were too poor to give them education and food. Indonesia's childdcare instituition released a survey that the orphanages are seperated from their parents not from death but from poverty. A report made by the US-based charity Save the Children and the Indonesian government that covered six provinces said that up to 500,000 of the country's 85 million children live in instituitions, which is the highest rate worldwide.Of those 90% still have one or more parent alive. In 36 homes surveyed , the children spent most of their time cooking and looking after younger kids as the instituitions were understaffed. A survey said that government policy was feulling the parents to give up their children.
Personal Views:
I feel sorry for the children that have to live without their parents. I can tell that many people suffer from poverty as 90% of the orphanages has one or more parent alive. I feel that the government should do something about it if not this situation will increase further. I feel that the government should create more jobs for the people so there will be lesser people that are unemployed. When there are more people working less people will suffer from poverty, their children will not suffer and put into an orphahnage. With jobs they will be able t support their family and the country will develop further too.
Cylvi Lim - Africa fish fall blamed on Japan
A coalition of conservation groups and a leading fisheries scientist have accused Japan of damaging the fisheries interests of poorer countries. They say Japan promotes the argument that whales are responsible for declining fish stocks in order to boost support for whale hunting.
They say this stops poor countries from focussing on real causes of decline. A spokesman for Japan's whale research institution described the accusation as "absurd and irresponsible". "Blaming whales is an issue that is not only false - whales are no more responsible than the Martians - but which prevents the very small resources of West African countries from being devoted to understanding the real reasons why their fisheries are declining," he said.
Personal response:
There is little doubt that fish stocks globally are shrinking. One recent major study projected there would be no commercial fisheries left in 50 years if current trends continued. Some developing countries, notably along the west coast of Africa, have seen stocks fall abruptly as fleets from Europe and East Asia have moved either legally or illegally into grounds that had previously been the preserve of small scale local fishermen. Overfishing is one cause to declining fish stocks and blaming on whales is not a good reason as whales do not eat fish. "Absurd allegation and a gross misrepresentation" may cause conflicts between the countries.
They say this stops poor countries from focussing on real causes of decline. A spokesman for Japan's whale research institution described the accusation as "absurd and irresponsible". "Blaming whales is an issue that is not only false - whales are no more responsible than the Martians - but which prevents the very small resources of West African countries from being devoted to understanding the real reasons why their fisheries are declining," he said.
Personal response:
There is little doubt that fish stocks globally are shrinking. One recent major study projected there would be no commercial fisheries left in 50 years if current trends continued. Some developing countries, notably along the west coast of Africa, have seen stocks fall abruptly as fleets from Europe and East Asia have moved either legally or illegally into grounds that had previously been the preserve of small scale local fishermen. Overfishing is one cause to declining fish stocks and blaming on whales is not a good reason as whales do not eat fish. "Absurd allegation and a gross misrepresentation" may cause conflicts between the countries.
Chin Kee Teck - Male circumcision 'cuts' HIV risk
A reserch shows that circumcision can reduce the infection rate of HIV in heterosexual men by 50% as a research on two african trial shows. The trial was too stunning that the the US National Institutes of Health found it too corrupt that they had to stop the trial earlier. Althought, it was a great break through i could no replace the standard method of HIV prevention such as the condom.
The trial in Kenya found a 53% reduction in new HIV infections in heterosexual men who were circumcised while the Ugandan study reported a drop of 48%. Results last year from a study in 3,280 heterosexual men in South Africa, which was also stopped early, showed a 60% drop in the incidence of new infections in men who had been circumcised.
The reasons why circumcision may save u from HIV is because some of the cell on the foreskin might be possible target of the infection and also after circumcision the skin under the foreskin is less sensitive and would not bleed so it is less prone to infections.
Personal Views:
Circumcision, the removal of unwanted skin on the penis. I found this study very prominent as HIV is a very deadly virus and as more ways of prevention from the infection are discovered, it means lesser chance of catching it. Althought lesser chance of getting infected is a good thing but it is still not a full protection from it, I think that prevention should be all about ourself. An example is knowing the preson's health condition before sex or do not go around having sex with random people not knowing what kind of disease they have.
The trial in Kenya found a 53% reduction in new HIV infections in heterosexual men who were circumcised while the Ugandan study reported a drop of 48%. Results last year from a study in 3,280 heterosexual men in South Africa, which was also stopped early, showed a 60% drop in the incidence of new infections in men who had been circumcised.
The reasons why circumcision may save u from HIV is because some of the cell on the foreskin might be possible target of the infection and also after circumcision the skin under the foreskin is less sensitive and would not bleed so it is less prone to infections.
Personal Views:
Circumcision, the removal of unwanted skin on the penis. I found this study very prominent as HIV is a very deadly virus and as more ways of prevention from the infection are discovered, it means lesser chance of catching it. Althought lesser chance of getting infected is a good thing but it is still not a full protection from it, I think that prevention should be all about ourself. An example is knowing the preson's health condition before sex or do not go around having sex with random people not knowing what kind of disease they have.
Chengwee - Unclean water kills 4,000 daily worldwide
Polluted drinking water will kill around 1.6 million people this year unless governments around the world make a concerted effort to clean up their supplies. Over 4,000 people die each day from water-borne diseases and the death toll is not restricted to Third Word nations. It is a problem plaguing all countries.The event will bring together experts from around the world to discuss management policies, the impact of global warming, and the need to diversity water sources. Dr Bertram said that governments must anticipate long- term water shortages caused by rising demand and climate change. Leaders have to put their money where their mouths are and make good on a myriad of promises to provide affordable, clean drinking water.Governments also need to invest heavily in building and maintaining water infrastructure.There has been some progress as more people got their water through pipes. But most of the water is ''unreliable and unsafe'', s problem that Singapore avoided through good management and cutting-edge technology.
Personal comments: I believed that unclean water is a very serious problem that has been plaguing all countries even Singapore! It might influence other living organisms through food chains or even directly from the unclean water. Many was contracted with diseases due to the drinking of unclean water and some eventually dies as time goes by as well as the continual drinkage of unclean water.It would slowly affect the country's development like declining population which leads to the lackage of talents to help the society. I believed that the reason why people drinks unclean water is not because of not wanting it but is the fact that they coud not even afford to pay for clean water and the inaccessibility of getting clean water. Since then, government should do something to salvage the problem of providing affordable, clean drinking water. I am proud of my country as it has managed to avoid the problem through proper management.
Personal comments: I believed that unclean water is a very serious problem that has been plaguing all countries even Singapore! It might influence other living organisms through food chains or even directly from the unclean water. Many was contracted with diseases due to the drinking of unclean water and some eventually dies as time goes by as well as the continual drinkage of unclean water.It would slowly affect the country's development like declining population which leads to the lackage of talents to help the society. I believed that the reason why people drinks unclean water is not because of not wanting it but is the fact that they coud not even afford to pay for clean water and the inaccessibility of getting clean water. Since then, government should do something to salvage the problem of providing affordable, clean drinking water. I am proud of my country as it has managed to avoid the problem through proper management.
Chengwee - Next target: Cut energy use
Singapore has to work hearder at cutting down energy usage- perhaps by 20 per cent to 30 per cent, as countries around the world incrasingly emphasise sustainable development. Singapore has scored relatively well on the water and land usage fronts but not on energy usage. On the government's part, it can examine policies such as using new materials to construct HDB blocks, examining new ways of designing and maintaining lifts whch currently '' use up a lot of energy '' , and installing energy-saving lights in public carparks. Singaporeans, as consumers, also have to play their part in understanding the amount of energy that their various appliances use up, going for energy-saving versions.Certainly, there are chanllenges as Singapore seeks to cut down on its energy usage. UPfront cost may be hgher, but it is all worth it.
Personal comments: I think that energy usage is an important resource that we should look up to and I agree with the view of cutting down energy usage. This helps to develop a sustainable development and then can be further improve. In order to help cut down the energy usage, we have to play a part and we can start from our own house homes. We can save energy usage even by small little things that we do like switching off the lights when we are not using. I believe that this problem if delayed, would somehow affect our living environment and many other problems would arise too. We may not be influenced by this problem nor knowing the importance of energy saving now but no one would know what would happen as time goes by. It is important that we have the mind-set of 'prevention better that cure' and thus we must work together to strike together in solving problems.
Personal comments: I think that energy usage is an important resource that we should look up to and I agree with the view of cutting down energy usage. This helps to develop a sustainable development and then can be further improve. In order to help cut down the energy usage, we have to play a part and we can start from our own house homes. We can save energy usage even by small little things that we do like switching off the lights when we are not using. I believe that this problem if delayed, would somehow affect our living environment and many other problems would arise too. We may not be influenced by this problem nor knowing the importance of energy saving now but no one would know what would happen as time goes by. It is important that we have the mind-set of 'prevention better that cure' and thus we must work together to strike together in solving problems.
Cylvi Lim - Mobile phone battery dead? Try dancing
WHAT do you do if you are stuck in a field at a pop festival but there's trouble ahead because your mobile phone's battery is about to run out? Thanks to a new gizmo, you now just need to face the music and dance. Mobile phone operator Orange said on Tuesday it had teamed up with GotWind, a firm specialising in renewable energy, to produce a recharger powered by dance energy alone. The portable kinetic energy chargers will be given a test run at this year's Glastonbury Festival, the world's biggest greenfield music and arts celebration that begins on a farm in Somerset on Friday.
Orange said the prototype chargers weigh the same as a phone and are about the size of a pack of cards. Attached to the user's arm, they employ a system of weights and magnets which provide an electric current to top up charge in a storage battery. This can then later be used to recharge the phone. 'We wanted to create a fun, engaging and interactive product which would encourage users to have a laugh while charging their mobile phone and at the same time test out a new energy-efficient prototype,' said Hattie Magee, Head of Partnerships at Orange UK.
Personal response:
In my opinion, this is a very creative and fun idea to recharge mobile phones. It also helps to save electricity, the environment and the Earth. Through dancing, they can dance and improve their health too which benefited all factors. This idea also helps people when their mobile phone battery dead while they needed to use the phone. They can dance somewhere out in the pathway and will attract people to see shows and this will add rainbows to the world. Dancing will help people to release stress, become more cheerful and prevent them from getting depressions.
Orange said the prototype chargers weigh the same as a phone and are about the size of a pack of cards. Attached to the user's arm, they employ a system of weights and magnets which provide an electric current to top up charge in a storage battery. This can then later be used to recharge the phone. 'We wanted to create a fun, engaging and interactive product which would encourage users to have a laugh while charging their mobile phone and at the same time test out a new energy-efficient prototype,' said Hattie Magee, Head of Partnerships at Orange UK.
Personal response:
In my opinion, this is a very creative and fun idea to recharge mobile phones. It also helps to save electricity, the environment and the Earth. Through dancing, they can dance and improve their health too which benefited all factors. This idea also helps people when their mobile phone battery dead while they needed to use the phone. They can dance somewhere out in the pathway and will attract people to see shows and this will add rainbows to the world. Dancing will help people to release stress, become more cheerful and prevent them from getting depressions.
Zhang Wenjie-Rats causing food crisis in Myanmar
Summary:
After the Cyclone, a new disaster has happened in Myanmar. Once every 50 years, packs of rats will swarm through the hills and consume everything in their path. Bamboos that has just harvast die after sometimes and this happens twice a century. It is known as bamboo death which the rats feed on. Next they will feed on the seeds, rice stocks, stripping ripening corn and paddy in the fields. This have caused the villages to be affected greatly. They were too weak to flee and were dying soon. Children are suffering from dehydration or diarrhoea.Even the left behind ones who are the porrest and weakest are known as the strongest.
Personal View:
I pity for the people that live in Myanmar because the generals do not allow people from other countries to help. There are many people suffering yet they do not accept help from others. I pity them also because they have so many disasters causing many deaths.
Jane Teo - Minibus crash: 10 hurt; all had no belts
Summary:10 Chinese nationals were injured yesterday morning when a minibus slammed into the back of the truck. They were taken to a hospital and 8 were treated by minor injuries. The impact of the crash has sent a man hurtling forward. The crash renewed calls for sear belts to be fitted in all minibuses. The appeals begin in April when a schoolboy, eight, was killed after flung out of a minibus which has collided between two cars. At very least, lap belts must be installed.
Personal Views :
This is truly a lesson to be learnt by many out there who do not wear seatbelts even when they have seatbelts in their cars or buses. Seatbelts are really very important as it is a safety precaution. Especially when met with an accident, seatbelts keeps the victims to their seats and not be flung out like that schoolboy.
Personal Views :
This is truly a lesson to be learnt by many out there who do not wear seatbelts even when they have seatbelts in their cars or buses. Seatbelts are really very important as it is a safety precaution. Especially when met with an accident, seatbelts keeps the victims to their seats and not be flung out like that schoolboy.
Jasmine Loy - S'pore employers concerned about talent leaving to work abroad
Singapore employers are concerned about their talent leaving to work abroad, said a Borderless Workforce Survey on the outward migration of talent. According to Manpower Singapore, which conducted the poll of 563 people, 22 percent of those surveyed were concerned about the move's negative impact on the labour market. Those particularly concerned about this talent outflow trend were from the finance, insurance and real estate, manufacturing and transportation sectors. Employers from the education and public administration sectors were less concerned about the trend, the survey said. The survey added that employers see China, India and Hong Kong as the biggest competitors for talent.
Personal views ;
Nowadays, more and more people thinks that working abroad might be better rather than staying in Singapore. As they think leaving to work abroad might benefit them, create more opportunities for them, enable them to be exposed to different kind of working environment and might also have a higher pay. Thus resulting in our country to be lack of talent and hence, the government is now thinking of ways to attract foreign talent to Singapore. According to the article, “22 percent of those surveyed were concerned about the move’s negative impact on the labour market.”
Well, I think this is rather quite common for them to have such concern about the negative impact which might have on the labour market. As this concerned the prosperity of the country, as well as, us. The survey added that employers see China, India and Hong Kong as the biggest competitors for talent. Perhaps we can try to approach talent from those countries if we are still lacking of talent helping for the country. It might benefit all too.
Personal views ;
Nowadays, more and more people thinks that working abroad might be better rather than staying in Singapore. As they think leaving to work abroad might benefit them, create more opportunities for them, enable them to be exposed to different kind of working environment and might also have a higher pay. Thus resulting in our country to be lack of talent and hence, the government is now thinking of ways to attract foreign talent to Singapore. According to the article, “22 percent of those surveyed were concerned about the move’s negative impact on the labour market.”
Well, I think this is rather quite common for them to have such concern about the negative impact which might have on the labour market. As this concerned the prosperity of the country, as well as, us. The survey added that employers see China, India and Hong Kong as the biggest competitors for talent. Perhaps we can try to approach talent from those countries if we are still lacking of talent helping for the country. It might benefit all too.
Cylvi Lim - S'poreans biggest online spenders: survey
SINGAPOREANS and South Koreans are the region's biggest online spenders, a survey by MasterCard said on Tuesday. Singapore online shoppers spent 770.70 US dollars (S$1,050) over a three-month period, followed by South Koreans who spent 707.50 dollars (S$967.10), the survey found. It studied the behaviour of more than 4,000 people with bank accounts who used the Internet at least once a week, in Hong Kong, mainland China, Australia, Japan, India and Thailand as well as Singapore and South Korea.
Online shoppers in Thailand spent the least, at 406.30 dollars over the three months, while those in Japan spent 581.00 dollars, the survey said. Shoppers in the region averaged 3.1 purchases during the period, it said.
It added that 63 per cent of survey respondents said they made purchases online. That figure was even higher in Japan and South Korea, where 83 per cent said they shopped using the Internet.
The MasterCard study said that by 2010 China's online shopping population is projected to increase to 480 million, contributing 58.6 per cent of the region's total online shopping population, up from 49.9 per cent now. India's online shopping population is also set to increase rapidly and is poised to overtake Japan and Korea in terms of the share of over regional Internet shoppers, MasterCard said.
Personal response:
Online shopping is the process consumers go through to purchase products or services over the internet. It is very convenient for those who are busy and does not have time to shop. It is now a trend for Singaporeans to go online shopping. In my opinion, there are pros and cons of online shopping. The pros are that the online shoppers will save time and do not require much effort in buying things. They only needed to make their payments through cards and have the good delivered directly to their house. This also helps the customers to save the transportation costs. The cons are that online shoppers will find that they could buy very conveniently. This may cause them to buy more than their expectations, as a lot of advertisements attracted their attentions. Pictures are usually nicer than the real ones, which cause people to be disappointed or regretted in buying. They also might not know that the goods delivered to their house are in a good condition, which they cannot refund it. Online shopping in Singapore is a good practice as most of the people in Singapore are working everyday and do not have time to shop.
Online shoppers in Thailand spent the least, at 406.30 dollars over the three months, while those in Japan spent 581.00 dollars, the survey said. Shoppers in the region averaged 3.1 purchases during the period, it said.
It added that 63 per cent of survey respondents said they made purchases online. That figure was even higher in Japan and South Korea, where 83 per cent said they shopped using the Internet.
The MasterCard study said that by 2010 China's online shopping population is projected to increase to 480 million, contributing 58.6 per cent of the region's total online shopping population, up from 49.9 per cent now. India's online shopping population is also set to increase rapidly and is poised to overtake Japan and Korea in terms of the share of over regional Internet shoppers, MasterCard said.
Personal response:
Online shopping is the process consumers go through to purchase products or services over the internet. It is very convenient for those who are busy and does not have time to shop. It is now a trend for Singaporeans to go online shopping. In my opinion, there are pros and cons of online shopping. The pros are that the online shoppers will save time and do not require much effort in buying things. They only needed to make their payments through cards and have the good delivered directly to their house. This also helps the customers to save the transportation costs. The cons are that online shoppers will find that they could buy very conveniently. This may cause them to buy more than their expectations, as a lot of advertisements attracted their attentions. Pictures are usually nicer than the real ones, which cause people to be disappointed or regretted in buying. They also might not know that the goods delivered to their house are in a good condition, which they cannot refund it. Online shopping in Singapore is a good practice as most of the people in Singapore are working everyday and do not have time to shop.
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