Comment on 'British ads banned over climate change claims'---Brandy

The climate change has become such a hot sport, recently. Since the movie, 2012, has been published, people are really concerning about the climate change. Moreover, as there are more and more natural disasters happened in past few years, people are more scared. Will ‘the end of the world’ come? This is the question which keeps circling in our minds. Hence, more ads about climate change appeared on the mass media, such as the two on the Britain's advertising watchdog. However, they are banned because of the exaggerated expression.

We cannot deny that the two ads appeared on the Britain's advertising watchdog about climate change really reflected the worry among people. They are useful to some extent. The climate change is such a great issue that the individuals may not so concern about it. The ads can help people know that it actually related to our lives and could influence our future. Since the improvement of climate situation cannot be done by a small group of people, the ads can act as a call for action and conjugate the might from every individual. However, the situations of climate are exaggerated. This may cause social chaos. Such as it appeared in the film, 2012, people may go on strike, rob the supermarkets or even commit suicide. It may become very serious. I think this kind of demagogic and exaggerated ads should not be put on the mass media. All the things mentioned are all predictions as the authority said. They should be more reasonable.

I think that people should have rights to know what is happening on the earth, hence the ads to some extend is necessary. However, they should not be exaggerated and make people panic. They should be more factual and reasonable. If not, they should be banned.

Comments Record ------Crystal

1.Brandy (Alphabet)
http://sm2ce12thalphabet.blogspot.com/2010/02/comment-on-complaints-against-lawyers.html

2.John (Demo)
http://demo-groupc.blogspot.com/2010/02/j-o-h-n-singapores-productivity-level.html

Comments Record ---Seth

Amy--Alphabet
Peter--Demo

The comments by Amy

Seth----Alphabet
Hill-----Girls and Hill

Comments by Brandy

Crystal-Alphabet
Pineapple-PineApple

Comments on local issue

1)Written by: Crystal
2)Title of article: Time to get tough on fake-ID users
3)Anthor of article: Eisen Teo
4)Date of publishment: 8 Feb 2010
5)Source: THE STRAITS TIMES – Home PAGE B9

The news is mainly about an old issue in Singapore – youths use fake-IDs to pretend to be adults. Among 80 teens aged between 14 and 17 for the interview, almost half of them admitted that they have owned a fake ID and used it for clubbing, drinking or smoking. All of them claimed to be oblivious to the punishment for using fake-IDs. On the other hand, shops and clubs always turned a blind eye to this, which gave an access for youths to be illegal.

For me, it is not a new issue in Singapore since THE STRAIT TIMES once reported the issue and drew everyone’s attention to protect the youths. However, I found the attitude and perspective toward this issue was different from the last time’s report. Last time, it was obvious that the author thought the people who supplied the fake-IDs made a larger contribution to this problem, while the youths were victims to some extent on this problem. This report mainly focused on those teens who use fake-IDs and shops and clubs who accepted fake-IDs.

In my opinion, I agree with the author that the youth should take a larger responsibility on this issue. Indeed, the whole society should try to protect the teens. Those who provided the fake-IDs should be punished. However, even without the illegal supplies, can we make sure that the teens will not find out other accesses to get touch with clubs, cigarettes or beer? For teens under 18 years old, since the law prevents them from those “bad” things, they may be curious about what they are not allowed to do. Although it is normal for teens to rebel at this age, youths should not use this as an excuse and avoid taking the responsibility for the whole society. What they are doing is not only harmful for themselves, but also providing opportunities to those criminals to break the law. As teens, they should have the ability to tell the right from wrong and discipline themselves. Only those, who can resist a temptation and do the things they should do but not like to do, can grow up to be the leaders of the society in the future.

Comment on '3 youths won't be charged '----By Seth

Title: 3 youths won't be charged
Writer: Chua Hian Hou , Technology Correspondent
Date:Feb 12, 2010
URL: http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_489985.html


The 3 youth who were arrested recently have been punished. They were doing racist activities on social networking site Facebook. The initiator of that racist group had been placed on the Ministry of Community, Youth and Sports' (MCYS) Guidance Programme. He will suffer a 'voluntary six-month programme that focuses on counseling and rehabilitation with the active involvement of parents’. The behavior of him will determine whether he is going to get a caution which will not be considered to have a criminal record or an official Police warning. The other two boys, 17-year-old Sam Soo Siu Weng and 18-year-old Goh Jun Yi, had also got a caution.

I am sorry to hear this. Singapore is a country with Multiracialism. Every race is an essential part and has contributed immeasurable dedication. People should uphold the principle of racial equality, and Singaporean does do well in it, but the genuine racial equality still seems light-years away. Teenagers are the future of Singapore. If they do not have consciousnesses of racial equality, the society of tomorrow would be not stable at all. I think the social framework should notice and pay more attention to this kind of problem among the teenagers now.

In addition, I hope the initiator could cooperate to change his mind, and also get a less serious punishment.

Comment on 'Anger over 'tiger skin' shots '----By Amy

Title:Anger over 'tiger skin' shots
Writer:Victoria Vaughan
Date:Feb 12, 2010
URL:http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_489974.html

Recently, 8 Days, the weekly celebrity magazine of Singapore, used a picture featuring Singapore actress Wong Li-Lin draped in a tiger pelt as the cover, which aroused lots of criticism of the public. Even the publisher was asked to print an apology by Singapore's branch of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), whether the pelt was real or not for sending the wrong message about a highly-endangered animal.

First of all, I strongly agree with the Singapore's branch of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and I think the publisher should give an apology to the public. As we know, animals are our human’s friends. This behavior is quite inhuman and it is an invasion of the rights of animals. What is worse, it could speed up the extinction of these highly-endangered animals if they were not protected well. Even if the pelt is not real, it still has a bad impact on society because the magazine has a great influence on public, which could lead some his followers to follow and other wrong behaviors. Therefore, I hope the publisher can be responsible for his behavior and print the apology as soon as possible. Besides, I hope some government agencies can attach great importance to this issue and take some measures properly and reasonably to warn people and avoid the recurrence of similar incidents.

In fact, there are many issues just like this not only in Singapore but all over the world. I hope everyone can be respect for the animals and try the best to protect them.

Comment on 'Complaints against lawyers on the rise'--By Brandy

-Title:Complaints against lawyers on the rise
-Writer:K.C. Vijayana, LAW CORRESPONDENT
-Date:Monday, 8 Feb 2010
-Issue source:THE STRAITS TIMES home PAGE B2


Recently, there is an increase in complaints of lawyers. The complaints were most about inefficient service, and overcharging and fraud. Now, the law society chef hopes to find a better way to solve the problems.

I agreed that the problems are very serious. The lawyers themselves are actually the representative of justice. How can they abuse their rights? If we let it be, how can innocent citizens’ right be protected? However, the problem is still hard to solve. Firstly, the inefficiency is generally occurring in many job areas. This is a problem of attitude which cannot be easily solved. Maybe a proper award policy will help the staff work harder and more efficient. Then, the overcharging is also hard to control. Most of the clients may not have the experience of lawsuit before. Hence, they may not familiar with the procedures and the fees. Then, the lawyers may take advantage of it and get some extra money. Therefore, the law society may find a way to let the clients know what the procedures are and what the fees are. Although it will be a long way to change the situation, I hope it will be corrected.

However, maybe we also should think about why the complaints against lawyers are so high. As we know from the passage, 30 percent of the complaints were unreasonable. Maybe the clients did not win the lawsuits and then blamed the lawyers for their loose. Although it is their job to help the clients win the lawsuits, there will still be a side which loses. People should not be so critical to them. Moreover, sometime it is the clients themselves caused the lawyer’s bribe. Many people may think if they pay more money, it will be a larger chance to win. If the lawyer refuses the money, they will lose the confidence. Hence, I really think the attitude from the clients also matters.

I think the situation of lawyers now should be changed as soon as possible. However, people should not be so critical to them and show some proper respect.


By Brandy

Comment Record - Seth

3rd week comments: Amy & Catherine

5th week comments: Amy & Sally

Comments Record ---Amy

3rd week comments:
Seth
Silver

5th week comments:
Silver
Seth

Comments Record -Crystal

3rd week comments:
1.Brandy(Alphabet)
http://sm2ce12thalphabet.blogspot.com/2010/01/reflection-from-brandy.html
2.Yvonne(Gills and Hill)
http://girlsandhill.blogspot.com/2010/01/reflection-on-facing-end-of-life-talks.html
__________________________________________________

5th week comments(this week):
1.Brandy(Alphabet)
http://sm2ce12thalphabet.blogspot.com/2010/01/st-forum-real-challenge-is-changing.html
2.Helen(Royal Flush)
http://groupc-royalflush.blogspot.com/2010/01/forum-helen.html

This week's comments by Brandy

Alphabet Amy
Harry's Porters Elaine

Debate Topic

If time treval is possible, is it good to change the history?

ST Forum: Bus driver inconsiderate and rude

Title: Bus driver inconsiderate and rude
Writer: Sim Khae Bin
Date: Jan 30,2010
UPL: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_483953.html

I REFER to this Saturday's letter from Mr. Sim Khae Bin 'Bus driver inconsiderate and rude'

A couple of senior citizens who are over 60 took SBS bus on this Tuesday. The old woman is handicapped and uses a walking stick so the old man asked the driver to move nearer the kerb when reached the bus stop. The bus captain refused his request and shouted that the bus was crowded when the old man asking for reason.

I am sorry to hear that. Senior citizens had contributed to the society when they are young. As the increase of the age, they gradually become disability. They need help and regard when they are old. Morally speaking, people should help them as much as they can especially the handicapped ones.

In addition, SBS Transit is a company that serve the public. Bus drivers have obligations to provide convenience to the passenger especially the elder and deformity. I think that SBS Transit should think about it.

I hope the public traffic can become better. All people live in a harmonious society.

Seth

ST Forum: Police officer taking his time to investigate accident

Title：Police officer taking his time to investigate accident
Writer：Radiah Baba (Madam)
Date: Jan 30,2010
URL: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_483954.html

I REFER to this Saturday's letter by Ms. Radiah Baba, 'Police officer taking his time to investigate accident '.

In this letter, she firstly told about the traffic accident her husband and relatives had last month. Her family got many troubles in insurance claim and were caught in a predicament. What has made her most upset was the attitude of the police investigating officer.She was at a lost and was anxious that the police can expedite
investigations.

I understand the situation Radiah is in and I would like to share her pain.I am also glad that they are all alive. For her question, firstly, I want to point out that even with death, it still take some time to investigate. The police has to follow rules to ensure justice.They could not simply rule out the fact that someone could be at fault. Besides, there is a lot of work behind the accident,and there are many accidents every day. In addition, there are other more urgent accidents than hers. Therefore, the police needs many time to work on these cases for further and better investigation.

On the countrary, I hope some higher authority will take some measures. They could improve their management and change some process reasonably to improve the efficiency of the police. It could make them better serve the victims and make the best possible to minimize their loss.

At last, I hope Ms Radiah Baba can relax and be calm. Most importantly, take care of the health at this moment.

Amy

ST Forum: Real challenge is changing mindsets

-Title: Real challenge is changing mindsets
-Writers: Halimah Yacob(Madam) and Bob Tan, Co-Chairmen, Tripartite Alliance for Fair Employment Practices
-Date: Jan 29, 2010
-URL: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/STIStory_483576.html

Comment by Brandy:

I REFER to Ms. Halimah Yacob and Mr. Bob Tan’s letter this Friday, ‘Real challenge is changing mindsets’. In the letter, they mentioned that some jobs have special language requirements. This, to some extent, may course discrimination. Hence, they suggested that the employers should explain the reasons of the language requirements clearly to avoid the negative effect on the employees. However, the most important point they are concerning about is changing the mindsets and avoiding discrimination in the real work instead of written advertisements. Although people are trying hard to change it, there is still unfairness among employees. They think people should still work on this and focus on the capability instead of race of an employee.

I strongly agree with the writers. Race and language should not be considered as criteria of the jobs, expect some special cases as language education. We cannot deny that certain races might achieve a lot in certain fields, so people tend to hire certain races for certain jobs, such like Indians are good at Electronic area. However, I think, this also cannot be a criterion. People can get certain skills is not because they are certain races. It is because what they learnt and how they were trained. Like Chinese can also speak good English, other races which do not seem to be good at an area may also have elites. Hence, it is really unfair to have such requirements. However, language is still important. Employees must have the ability to communicate with each other, so English, the global language, should be required. But it will be unreasonable, if you want a casher who must be able to speak mandarin.

It is true that many companies had already changed their criteria, but how can they insure they will not tent to select employees of certain races? As the writers said, it is important to change our mind and treat every race equal. Capability is the thing employers should look for.

Last time's comments by Brandy

Brandy commented on Alphabet Crystal's and Girls &hill's Rachel's passages.

ST Forum : Reward employees who work smart

1)Written by: Crystal
2)Title of article: Reward employees who work smart
3)Anthor of article: Eric J.Brooks
4)Date of publishment: 28 Jan 2010
5)URL: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/STIStory_483064.html

I REFER to the letter “Rewards employees who work smart” written by Eric J. Brooks. In the letter, the writer firstly pointed out that “doing more work in less time” was the core of the problem which PM had come up with in Tuesday’s report. Hence, the protraction of working hours or the growth of employment was useless to increase the productivity. Then he compared the two different working situations in Asian nations and California. He figured out that the working system in California focused more on the productivity while working hours and work style seems more significant in Asian nations. At last, he suggested rewarding employees those who work smarter to build up the new work value.

In my view, I strongly support his opinion. With the rapid development of technology, Singapore has already done a good job in economic growth. However, why did PM still point the low productivity out as a problem in Singapore? It is because that the low productivity in Singapore is not a problem caused by low level of technology but by an antiquated work value, which will have negative effects if not dealt with seriously.

In most Asian countries, working longer and harder represents the better quality of an employee, which affected the productivity seriously and emphasizes a wrong work value. To achieve a “better” quality, employees may spend half a day to finish the work which can be done in two hours. If those employees are rewarded by their “hardworking” and make others follow their examples, the productivity will definitely reduce. Hence, to increase the productivity, the most significant part is to establish a new reward system to encourage the “smarter” workers but not the harder ones. For those who did their work with low efficiency, no matter how harder they work, they should be reconsidered whether they are competent for the job. Also, the employers should make full use of the modern technology and make working more flexible. If the workers have higher efficiency at home or at night, they can be allowed to bring their work home. We should not be the slave of work and so formalistic. Just make working easy and relaxed, maybe we can get a better outcome.

Reflection from Brandy

The Article: Tensions Mount in Devastated Capital as Nations Step up Aid Pledges to Haiti
By Marc Lacey
Published: January 14, 2010
From New York Times,
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/15/world/americas/15haiti.html?pagewanted=all
The Comment:

Recently, there was an earthquake happened in Haiti. This article meanly talked about the struggle of people in Haiti and the circumstance of aid. This reminds me of the Wenchuan earthquake happened in China in 2008. We can still remember the scenes of collapsed buildings and crying people. The feeling of helplessness in front of nature is still fresh. The world gave us another shock, Haiti’s earthquake.

Now, the aid is the most important thing to the victims. We can see many countries are sending their troops to Haiti to rescue those who are still buried under the ruins. However, there are so many refugees who need shelters, food and medicine. The insufficiency of goods actually caused chaos. Because of different policies, unlike China, there are many robberies happened to shops. The police also did not do their work well. Maybe the control of the refugee area is also very important. The ignorance of it may cause extra death.

People in Haiti are waiting for the aid thirstily. I think the aid arrived too late. Every minute counts in rescue. However, different countries may have different reasons which we cannot conjecture, but I really hope the aid can arrive at the first place. Now, I really wish people in Haiti can get through this hard period. We still get time. We still have hope.

After all the tsunamis and earthquakes, it seems that we start to face more natural disasters than we expected. What should we do? Will we be faced the situation of 2012? Is negative protecting the only thing we can do? I think the protection of our earth should be taken serious.

Avatar: The View from China

1) Written by: Crystal
2) Title: Avatar: The View from China
3) Source: Times Online
http://timesonline.typepad.com/blockbuster_buzz/2010/01/avatar-the-view-from-china.html
4) Author: Michael Moran
5) Date of Publishing: 15th Jan 2010

Summary:

The news was mainly about the views from Chinese audiences towards the new 3D movie “Avatar” recently. Avatar had achieved a great success in China since the film opened and drew forth a lot of comments about the plot: how Na’vi, a native group, protected their home from exploration by others. Some of the Chinese audiences regarded the movie as an innuendo of Chinese government’s land-exploitation and violent eviction. They hold the opinion that the Na’vi in the movie were a reflection of a Chinese “nail house” or someone challenged the authorities. The article also quoted two bloggers from China, Han Han and A Cup of Green Tea. Both of them pointed out the resemblance of the movie to real situation in China.

My own view:

Similarly, I also found the similarities between the Na’vi native group and “nail houses”. Both of them did not give in the powerful authorities and tried to prevent their home from destroying. Moreover, both of them did not accept the advices from the authorities and paid a lot for their persistence. Na'vi finally succeeded, while "nail houses" always eventuate in a failure.

However, I did not agree with some ideas in the news. Firstly, for most times, the “nail houses” chose to use their lives to threaten or just persist for a more acceptable condition, not just based on their love toward their homeland, which is different with Na’vi in the movie. Also, I do not think that the exploitation and eviction only happened in China as Han Han had claimed. As a blogger on Times Online said, “It probably could happen only in China, unless you happen to be an Australian Maralinga or a South Seas islander living on a bomb test site.” In the other area of the world, violent exploitation even without informing also happened and led to a terrible life and great loss to local residents. I wondered the reason why people only focused on China every time there were unpleasant innuendoes in works of art. Maybe we should give more attention on the idea about “love of home”, “dignity” or “greed” in the movie, not only the situation in China which had already draw attention of authorities long before and been improved to a certain extent.

Reflection

article title: The 11 Best Foods You Aren’t Eating

name of article writer: Tara Parker-pope
date of article: June 30, 2008
source of article: The New York Times
(http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/30/the-11-best-foods-you-arent-eating/?em)

In this article, nutritionist suggested people to eat some healthful foods which people hardly eating. Dr. Bowden listed 11 kinds of simple but nutritive foods which include beets, cabbage, Swiss chard, cinnamon, pomegranate juice, dried plums, pumpkin seeds, sardines, turmeric, frozen blueberries and canned pumpkin.

In my opinion, people would better eat healthy diets to keep their body strong, instead of taking medicine after getting ailment which caused by eating in bad ways. I agree with the opinion of the herbalist doctor. There are many kinds of food: cereal; Vegetables and fruits; Fish, meat& eggs; dairy and soy foods. People need to keep the balance of them. Eating more kinds of food especially the food that nutritionist advised is helpful. Now my friends and I are too far away from our home. We need to take care of ourselves, so that we would better try some new healthy foods.

Seth