The writer's father died 16 years ago form the complications of emphysema, a disease arising from years of smoking. He was a traditional Confucian father not given too much expression of mawkish sentiment to his nine children. The present day philosophy of loving your children to death and embracing their character-despoiling traits or other warts was not one he understood or practised at all. If the writer was rambunctious and broke the golden rule that children should be seen and not heard, he let his displeasure be heard, restoring the silence with a gruff "harrumph". If his children were ill-disciplined, he let histemper be felt for he wielded a mean rotan(cane), however, no rewards were given for behaving, why should children be rewarded for behaving the way they should in the grand oder of things? Yet the writer never felt unloved, even if all the love was implicit only in action. Indeed, any oral affirmation of endearment would have been an embarrassment to fathers of yore. When he was in dotage and frail with illness, we cared for him as dutiful children with a bounden responsibility would. Yet the writer felt regretful that he had not expressed his maudlin sendiments of love and affection for him while he was still alive and appreciative.

This article appealed to me not because

Legalization of Gay marriages in Argentina (The Straits times Friday, 16 July, 2010)

On 15 July 2010, Argentina became the first country in Latin America to legalise same-sex marriage. Argentina is a majority Roman Catholic country and although some had reservations, the law was still passed. Ruling party leader Miguel Pichetto felt that it was a historical day for Argentina. Apart from that, opposition Radical Senator Gerardo Morales stressed that the Bill’s objective was to guarantee the rights of minorities and that Argentine society is no longer the same as before.

The law makes small adjustments to the legal code by referring to “the marrying parties” instead of husband and wife. Rights in terms of adoptions, social security and family time, which previously belonged only to heterosexuals, will also be enjoyed by same-sex couples now.

Although the gay marriage proposal was firmly supported by the President, it was strongly opposed by the Roman catholic Church and evangelical groups. They organised a march by 60,000 people on the eve of the vote.

Senator Juan Perez Alsina usually is a supporter of the President, however, regarding the gay marriage proposal, he gave a passionate speech against gay marriage saying that, “Marriage between a man and a woman has existed for centuries, and is essential for the perpetuation of the species”.

I find this article appealing to me because the idea of gay marriage is unreal to me. Even though I do have gay friends, I find it inconceivable that they can be united for life through marriage. However after reading this article and knowing that so many other countries also permit gay marriages, I begin to realize that many modern societies’ perception, values and beliefs have broadened and grown in acceptance. It also shows the versatility in human thinking. Personally, it draws my attention and desire to know more about homosexuality and how it comes about.

The issue of gay marriages is far more diverse and complex for a mere layman like me to decide. From a personal point of view, I would also allow for gay marriages as I believe in equality and the freedom of love and thought. Fundamentally, different people have different values.

Yoshida Yukie

104732A

I bet that Gambling addiction is on the rise here.

Dr Thomas Lee: With the opening of Marina Bay Sands (MBS) casino and heightened public awareness, there may be more people who are aware they have a gambling problem and will then come forward to seek treatment.

As stated in the news article on 15 July 2010 TODAY newspaper, the number of gambling addiction cases in Singapore has more than tripled according to the latest statistics released by the National Addictions Management Service (Nams) on 14 Jul 2010. Their clinic, which is part of the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), has seen the number of gambling addicts jump from 5 per cent in 2007 to 17 percent last year.

After reading this article, there were a few things going through my mind.

Firstly, since the opening of the Integrated Resort (IR) and MBS, there have been good and bad news about it. Since the opening of the IR, there have been numerous articles about people cheating in the casinos and being taken in by the police. Articles like under aged gambling, cheating in the casinos, stealing and many more. There is also the legal conference dispute and problems prior the opening of the MBS.

On the other hand, the MBS and the IR have held many huge and important events like the Mediacorp Star Awards, big conferences as well as the hosting of the current K-pop groups coming to Singapore like Super Junior, 2AM, SHINee, Ft. Island and Wonder Girls.

Secondly, after reading Dr Lee's comment on the article, I guess it is good good to say that many people are now getting aware of their gambling habits and would like to turn over a new leaf. On the contrary, I believe that this may only be 30% of the gamblers. another 50% of them know they have an addiction for gambling and are not willing to change and the last 20% may know even recognize that they have a gambling habit. Changes can still be made to the IR to overcome these problems.

Lastly, I understand that the MBS and the IR is built for the tourists that come to Singapore. Still I prefer that the prices would not be as expensive so that Singaporeans can also enjoy these important places of Singapore.

Overall, I think that the MBS andthe IR has brought more joy and benefits than downfalls to then country.

~^,^~ Fiona Pang

100330T

More rain, less haze?

The recent haze that has engulfed the atmosphere of Singapore is due to the deforestation that is taking place in Sumatra. However, experts belief that the haze might clear up soon due to the recent prolonged wet weather. This is because the rain causes the forest to be damp which in turn prevents burning. In Indonesia though, people say that the weather forecast has not predicted such a long wet spell and hence believe that it wil soon be dry again. This will certainly see more people burning the waste matter and might lead to the problem of haze again. The National Environmental Agency (NEA) has observed that the number of places where burning takes place has increased over the past few years. They believe that this is due to the El Nino effect where the dry season is lengthened, thus making conditions suitable for burning. For example, in the year 2006 when the El Nino effect was particularly bad, the haze situation in Singapore hit a t high of 150. Thus indicating that the EL Nino effect did have a part to play in causing the occurance of burning biomass.

This article appealed to me because I belief it is about time we started to take care of Mother Earth. If we intend to prolong the existence of the human race on this planet, such activities will have to stop. Such activites have a part to play in causing the detoriation of our planet. Combustion produces carbon dioxide (CO2) and carcon monoxide (CO), the greenhouse gases. CO binds with the oxygen molecules (O2) in the ozone layer to from CO2. Since CO2 is heavier molecule, it sinks lower to ground level thus forming a blanket that traps heat within Earth. When CO binds with the O2 from the ozone layer, there is now a hole in the ozone layer due to the absence of O2. Normally, Earth can replenish the O2 in the ozone layer. However, the rate at which the greenhouse gases are being produced does not give Earth the time needed to replenish the O2 supply in the ozone layer. Hence, forming the hole in the ozone layer. This hole allows harmful radiation and heat to enter into the Earth which cause the dire consequences such as the melting of the polar ice caps and the shift in the climatic belts. Eventually, the balance of the Earth will be upset and it will lead to the world ceasing to exist as we know it.

Hence, it is in our hands to prevent a calamitous ending to our existence. The first steps have been taken by the world leaders during the signing of the Montreal Protocol and other such pacts. However, that is still not enough. We have to play our part by abiding by the terms of these treaties as well as engaging in other activites that will help prolong our stay on Planet Earth. Such activites include the reduction of the usage of plastics, the act of recycling things that we do not need as well as to reduce on our burning of unwanted products. These activities play a part in reducing the production of the greenhouse gases which we can do without.


LET US PRESERVE OUR HOME WHICH IS MOTHER EARTH.

Refusing to Recycle?

Singapore has taken measures to encourage citizens to recycle their waste by placing recycling bins outside Braddell MRT station, contradictory, Singaporeans have demonstrated a poor attitude towards recycling by misusing the bins such as dumping the wrong waste into the bin and inappropriately decorating the exterior of the bins with food trash and cigarette stubs. Japan on the other hand, has a practice which requires the washing and sorting of rubbish into 3 different clear plastic bags, citizens who do not or refuse to abide will not only not have their waste disposed of, but also returned to them until the situation is remedied, which in this case, is to go through all of the rubbish again and sorting them.

This article appealed to me because I stay very near Braddell MRT station and like the writer, I too walk pass the recycling bins very often and each time I do so, I find them to be more and more of an eyesore. It is also very ironic and disheartening to see the recycling bins being misused by Singaporeans as Singapore is making an effort to persuade citizens to recycling their waste materials.

I agree with the writer as she suggested that the practice of washing and sorting of waste in Japan should be implemented in Singapore as well. A child will only realize and correct his/her wrongs after being punished or lectured by the parents, this concept can also be applied here, to Singapore citizens. Japan's practice may be a little extreme but it does work. Sure, Singaporeans may not like this practice and think of it as an insignificant waste of time, but if adopting this practice can help correct their bad habits and preserve the environment longer, then why not give it a try?

The question I have for the writer is that if Singapore does adopt Japan's practice , will 'ALL' Singaporeans wash and sort their waste into plastic bags? Surely there will be some irresponsible citizens out there who will just dump their waste in the void deck and get away scot-free. And upon witnessing these actions, other Singaporeans will follow suite, and soon enough everything will just revert back to it's original state where no one will care about recycling or disposing their waste appropriately.

If I were in control, I will assign people to patrol areas with recycling bins to nab and fine whoever misuses or litters the rubbish bins, perhaps this way, litter bugs will finally change for the better.

I'll end this blog with a quote:
'What people learn from punishment is how to avoid being punished.'

Lim Wei Wen [101879G] PEACE OUT

http://blogs.straitstimes.com/2010/5/14/refusing-to-recycle

Talk to the hand (the Sunday times, lifestyle, 23 May, 2010)

Many young people nowadays use a lot more hand gestures. They’re like a lingo for their age group. The writer believes that the hand gestures are popularised by television shows and variety shows such as American musical comedy Glee, for example, extending the thumb and index finger shows an “L” for “loser” and raising the three middle fingers all separated, to show the letter “W” for “whatever”. The signs also seem to have influenced from other cultures, too, such as Japan and Taiwan.

Why such signs are popular? According to one of the undergraduate student, signs are used in classrooms especially when the students are not allowed to talk. The young generation seem to use certain gestures or slang to distinguish themselves from others such as the old or parent generation, because most people can adapt to other peoples’ way of communicating. They can do so by choosing to imitate or to maintain their own styles. Indeed, most parents are clueless to the hand gestures that the younger generations use. Youths on the other hand, also do not want to reveal what are the meanings of the signs they use.

I’m a foreign student from Japan, and in my homeland, such signs used here are very different from my culture. We seldom use signs to convey our feelings and words. Therefore, this article appeals to me because it helps me understand the difference of both cultures more.

I agree with the writer to a certain point that television shows and variety shows influence the younger viewers to use hand gestures to communicate. However, I think that peer influences are most likely the reason why younger people use signs and hand gestures. Friends are a stronger influence in life than television and variety shows.

Perhaps, using hand gestures will be the start of getting interest in sign language, though the hand gestures the people use recently meant good or bad…




Yoshida Yukie (Joyce)
104732A

Eat with your family day returns (:

The non-profit Centre for Fathering had initiated the idea of ' set aside one day, organized once in a year, to eat with the family.' It has started since 2003 and i feel that this idea is very good.

This year, they have organized another day which is on 27 May 2010 and there are overwhelming of schools and companies which had pledged to let some employees return back to their homes to have their reunion with their family.

I feel that this idea is very good as:

Firstly, Life in Singapore is always so busy and hectic. Whenever you pass by any shopping malls, you can see people streaming in and out of shops. Everyone, who is working in Singapore, will definitely undergo a lot of stress due to the economy growth. Whether is it good or bad, workers have to work hard in order not to get themselves sack. Some Workers probably even skip meals with family to work hard in their company to suffice their expenses.

Now with this idea initiated, for that very special one day, those hardworking workers are able to leave work early and spend time with family. This is will then strengthen the family bond among each other. Since some schools and companies have already participated in this campaign. I feel that the number of people participating will slowly increases as everybody will be aware of how family is important in each and everyone heart.

Secondly, this is a memorable day as all of the citizens would remember. This campaign held have already been noted as the second most memorable event done by survey. Since it is such a memorable day, the thought of it would definitely bring smiles to the workers.

There's a quote ' No pain, No gain', hence everybody works hard in the society. When they work hard, the salary of theirs will also increase. Smiles would definitely bring in more customers, for instance, in the service line, everyone would wish to be served by sales person who would show their smiles instead of giving a grouchy face. With this campaign held, everybody would be looking forward for that very special day to spend time with their family. Having a delicious meals with family and having the reunion of able to communicate more with each other.

Lastly, I feel that these campaign should held thrice a year instead of once a year. It is better for it to be at least thrice a year as people would be able to communicate even better with their family and they would be able to understand each other more. As for myself, I often eat with my family, probably have a lunch break or a dinner together. I would love to spent more time with my family as they are my kin and I'm in this place because of my parents. If they won't here, I doubt i would even know what does the Earth look like. Therefore, i often take my time out to spent time with them so that we are able to communicate and understand each other more. I feel that I'm blessed and is fortunate to be able to eat with my family almost thrice or more a week.

Therefore, I'm sure that there are many people out there who also wished to have a reunion with their family. However, I feel that suggesting the campaign to be 3 times a year isn't very greedy. The reunion among family would definitely be better than having it once a year. The time spent together would be cherished by all the family members and would leave a very good impression in the society.

I would end of this blogging with a quote.

' Happiness is felt by making other people happy '



Eileen Ong. 102658Z.

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_527729.html

More bicycle lots, Less carparks

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) reviews its concept plans every 10 years and the next review is coming next year. Groups are formed together to discuss new strategies and plans to improve the lifestyle of Singaporeans. This year, The 20 member group will be focussing on 'green transport'.

'Green transport will have a key role in building a sustainable city' said 1 group. Some of the suggested ideas are;

1) Firstly, a dedicated bicycle lane network will be necessary, hence, more and better secured parking facilities as well as changing facilities for bicycle users. On the other hand, private transport should be discouraged by reducing the number of parking lots o charging higher prices. This is one of the targeted ways to reduce traffic flow into certain areas.

2) Another way is to lower public transport fares as well as more convenient, comfortable and frequent busses and trains will make a difference. Examples are season passes for unlimited travel across all transport modes or an economic shuttle service.

In my opinion, what Mr Lee Tzu Yang said was very true. “Everybody supports the use of public transport; they just want somebody to do it.” As for me, I would really want to drive when I grow up. I think it is a good skill to learn and I find it more convenient as I can get to my destination quickly.

Still public transports are useful if you are in no rush and want to get to your destination. Bus fares are much cheaper than fuel price. Hence I would rather take the public transport and save the world.

As a cyclist myself, I do occasionally cycle on the roads and I find that there are too many cars and it gets dangerous especially at the busy junctions. Since there are no cycling paths on the road, cyclists have to cycle at the side of the road on the yellow lines. This gives pressure to the divers near him as well as the cyclist and accidents may occur.

I have once witnessed a cyclist got banged by a small lorry. Just because the cyclist thought that the lorry would be stopping at the light and he could cross the road. The lorry did not stop and the poor cyclist flew 2 metres away from his bicycle. In the end, the cyclist had a serious head injury and was still unconscious as he was being carried away to the hospital.

Hence I think it is a very good idea to build a bicycle lane network so cyclists can get around the roads easily. This will also reduce the amount of cars on the road and will make Singapore a more 'green' city.

~^.^~ Fiona Pang (100330T)

1st post

This blog is for Class SA Eff writing skills group 5's blogging. WE are to blog our view on current affairs and news. URL is www.sa5-blogging.blogspot.com =D

Members:

Yukie Yoshida

Fiona Pang

Eileen Ong

Viknesh Nair

Lim Wei Wen