Channel 5 News, CNA News, BBC News
1. Police fire water cannons at Delhi's gang-rape protest
The clip shows police using water cannons to disperse the crowd protesting outside the Delhi Chief Minister's house against the recent gangrape of a medical student in her twenties. Her friend tried to defend her but was beaten up and both were thrown out of the vehicle semi-naked. The protestors continued to agitate and even said even if the police takes action, they will not stop protesting.
I think that rape is getting more common these few days and this incident highlights women's safety issues in India. The Indian government is also considering increasing the punishment of rapists, or even death penalty. I think that he should immediately execute this punishment so that people will think of the consequences which is a death sentence. Thus, the number of rape incidents will hopefully decrease.
2. S'pore must keep up with rapidly-changing world: PM Lee
The clip shows PM Lee saying Singapore needs to keep up with the rapidly-changing world, or risks being left behind. He told the younger participants to prepare to work and change. He urged the older residents to remain active by being employed part-time. Due to Singapore's greying population, he acknowledged there is high demand for health care so more hospitals, doctors and nurses are needed. Other concerns included cost of living, public transport, public housing and job opportunities.
I think that Singapore's ageing population is increasing very rapidly which can be a bad sign. Nowadays, teenagers does not show much respect to the elderly, even refusing to give up their seat for them. Some adults are too busy with work to spend time looking after their elderly parents so they will put them in the Old Folks Home, not displaying filial piety. These irresponsible acts shows the need for more health care and facilities to allow the elderly to age in place.
3. Obama vows to take action to stop mass shootings
The clip mainly shows US President Barack Obama vowing to use all his power to ensure shooting tragedies like the one that left 20 children and 6 adults dead will not repeat. He also offered the "love and prayers of a nation" to families of the victims, saying all Americans stood by their side to mourn the tragic loss. "I can only hope it helps for you to know that you're not alone in your grief; that our world, too, has been torn apart; that all across this land of ours, we have wept with you," Mr Obama said.
I think that the tragic gun shooting incident in Connecticut left many thoughts from people around the world. I think a good education for a child is important as it can reflect upon the future acts the child might do. I hoped through this incident, many people will come to realise and not repeat any similar incidents. The gunman had killed innocent children and adults. Some people said murdering a child is like stealing a future or even a chance that could make this world a better place. Parents should be celebrating Christmas for their children and not funerals. This incident has left me wordless of how selfish the people are out there.
4. Rat activities found on 2 food operators' premises in AMK Hub
NEA said it will take action against two food operators in Ang Mo Kio Hub after it discovered traces of rat activities on their premises. It added four rats were caught in November and six rat burrows were found near the mall. NEA has requested the mall to work with its food operators to take preventive measures against rats. Several measures have been put in place to prevent rat activities.
I think that the restaurants should exercise more hygiene and not let similar incidents happen. Places that we eat at should be clean otherwise consumers may get food poisoning if the food are contaminated by the rats. To prevent this to happen, I believe everyone has a part to play to observe hygiene.
5. 'Tornado' in Pasir Panjang
A "tornado" at Pasir Panjang left some residents startled. Strong winds caused some of the zinc slats on the roof of Pasir Panjang ferry terminal to dislodge and fly off. Fortunately no one was injured. The "tornado" was in fact a waterspout, which is caused by intense thunderstorms and is formed when columns of water are sucked to the base of the clouds. Waterspouts are difficult to forecast and generally associated with intense thunderstorms over the sea.
I think that even though Singapore is a natural disaster-prone country, we always have to keep a look out and not let our guards down. We cannot predict the future but we can always have measures to prevent it to happen in the future.
Thursday, 20 December 2012
Tuesday, 18 December 2012
[Reading & Writing] - Review of 5 newspaper articles
1. Thai woman's bid to bring in 3.4kg of Ice foiled
In Singapore Changi Airport, a 27-year-old Thai woman tried to bring in around 3.4kg of Ice worth $850 000 but was foiled by authorities. The woman was to transit to another flight in Singapore when she was stopped by officers for a detailed check. Her unusually heavy backpack was screened via the x-ray machine and a big packet of Ice was found in a false compartment of the backpack. She was arrested for drug-trafficking. If convicted, she may face the death penalty.
From this article, I learnt that there are still many people who try to smuggle drugs. There is so much money that can be made from it that nothing else can compare. National and international drug prevention networks are trying to change public attitudes and reduce the availability of illicit drugs worldwide. We should try our best to stop drug trafficking as we can expect a lot more deaths and drug problems. With more drugs being carried across borders, it is only harder to spot. I think that people should think twice before they smuggle drugs as it can make us lose our family or even our lives.
2. 35-year-old man jailed for causing death of motorcyclist
A man was disqualified from driving for 12 years and given 30 months of jail for causing the death of a motorcyclist. He was found guilty of driving dangerously, resulting into collision with the victim's motorcycle. He also intentionally pervert the course of justice, persuading his friend to be false witnesses to help him escape punishment.
From this article, I learnt that we should always be responsible for our own actions regardless of what mistakes we have done. We should face the consequences of our actions rather than trying to escape punishment. I also think that drivers should be more cautious and alert when driving as there are many accidents which caused deaths of innocent pedestrians solely due to careless actions of the drivers.
3. Mind-controlled hand offers hope for the paralysed
US researchers have developed a robotic arm controlled directly by thought with a level of agility similar to a human limb. A woman diagnosed with a brain disorder was surprisingly able operate the robotic arm with a level of control and fluidity. It took weeks for her to master control of the hand, but she was able to move it after 2 days and complete tasks. Development of brain-machine interfaces is fast and scientists predict it can bypass nerve damage and re-awaken one's paralysed muscles.
From this article, I am happy to know that advanced technology has helped to make lives easier for phisically or mentally disabled people. I am amazed and look forward to the technology in the future which can help us in many ways. The woman would be happy to be able to control her hand despite her brain disorder. Efforts still go to researchers and scientists who had made this possible for her.
4. Man who ran car into elderly couple fined, banned from driving
A 40-year-old driver was $7 500 and banned from driving for 42 months for causing the death of an elderly pedestrian. The driver had been gambling at a casino for 15 hours and due to fatigue, he shut his eyes for 3 seconds which led him to veer to the left of the road into the bus bay. The collison killed an elderly pedestrian and seriously injured the pedestrian's wife. The driver was later fined a further $4 000 for causing grievous injury to her.
From this article, I learnt that one's actions not only can impact ourselves but also others. There can be many ways for a driver to lose concentration while driving. Causing someone's death is a serious consequence even money cannot compensate. Drivers should exercise responsibility as they would not know if accidents would occur due to their carelessness.
5. Hurricane Sandy heads for US after killing 59 in Caribbean
Americans made frantic preparations on Saturday for a possible superstorm as Hurricane Sandy lumbered north after killing 59 people in the Caribbean. "Frankenstorm" was expected to make landfall during the frenzied final week of campaigning before the Nov 6 US elections. The storm was at category one hurricane strength at 1800 GMT, with sustained winds of 120 kmh as it moved along the east coast, the National Hurricane Centre said.
From this article, I realised that we should be grateful to know that Singapore does not have any natural disasters. However, we should also not keep our guards down and be alert. Natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy can easily kill up to 59 people and thus I feel that we should also not take life for granted and treasure every moment with our family and friends.
In Singapore Changi Airport, a 27-year-old Thai woman tried to bring in around 3.4kg of Ice worth $850 000 but was foiled by authorities. The woman was to transit to another flight in Singapore when she was stopped by officers for a detailed check. Her unusually heavy backpack was screened via the x-ray machine and a big packet of Ice was found in a false compartment of the backpack. She was arrested for drug-trafficking. If convicted, she may face the death penalty.
From this article, I learnt that there are still many people who try to smuggle drugs. There is so much money that can be made from it that nothing else can compare. National and international drug prevention networks are trying to change public attitudes and reduce the availability of illicit drugs worldwide. We should try our best to stop drug trafficking as we can expect a lot more deaths and drug problems. With more drugs being carried across borders, it is only harder to spot. I think that people should think twice before they smuggle drugs as it can make us lose our family or even our lives.
2. 35-year-old man jailed for causing death of motorcyclist
A man was disqualified from driving for 12 years and given 30 months of jail for causing the death of a motorcyclist. He was found guilty of driving dangerously, resulting into collision with the victim's motorcycle. He also intentionally pervert the course of justice, persuading his friend to be false witnesses to help him escape punishment.
From this article, I learnt that we should always be responsible for our own actions regardless of what mistakes we have done. We should face the consequences of our actions rather than trying to escape punishment. I also think that drivers should be more cautious and alert when driving as there are many accidents which caused deaths of innocent pedestrians solely due to careless actions of the drivers.
3. Mind-controlled hand offers hope for the paralysed
US researchers have developed a robotic arm controlled directly by thought with a level of agility similar to a human limb. A woman diagnosed with a brain disorder was surprisingly able operate the robotic arm with a level of control and fluidity. It took weeks for her to master control of the hand, but she was able to move it after 2 days and complete tasks. Development of brain-machine interfaces is fast and scientists predict it can bypass nerve damage and re-awaken one's paralysed muscles.
From this article, I am happy to know that advanced technology has helped to make lives easier for phisically or mentally disabled people. I am amazed and look forward to the technology in the future which can help us in many ways. The woman would be happy to be able to control her hand despite her brain disorder. Efforts still go to researchers and scientists who had made this possible for her.
4. Man who ran car into elderly couple fined, banned from driving
A 40-year-old driver was $7 500 and banned from driving for 42 months for causing the death of an elderly pedestrian. The driver had been gambling at a casino for 15 hours and due to fatigue, he shut his eyes for 3 seconds which led him to veer to the left of the road into the bus bay. The collison killed an elderly pedestrian and seriously injured the pedestrian's wife. The driver was later fined a further $4 000 for causing grievous injury to her.
From this article, I learnt that one's actions not only can impact ourselves but also others. There can be many ways for a driver to lose concentration while driving. Causing someone's death is a serious consequence even money cannot compensate. Drivers should exercise responsibility as they would not know if accidents would occur due to their carelessness.
5. Hurricane Sandy heads for US after killing 59 in Caribbean
Americans made frantic preparations on Saturday for a possible superstorm as Hurricane Sandy lumbered north after killing 59 people in the Caribbean. "Frankenstorm" was expected to make landfall during the frenzied final week of campaigning before the Nov 6 US elections. The storm was at category one hurricane strength at 1800 GMT, with sustained winds of 120 kmh as it moved along the east coast, the National Hurricane Centre said.
From this article, I realised that we should be grateful to know that Singapore does not have any natural disasters. However, we should also not keep our guards down and be alert. Natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy can easily kill up to 59 people and thus I feel that we should also not take life for granted and treasure every moment with our family and friends.
Sunday, 16 December 2012
[Viewing & Listening] - National museum of Singapore review
I went to the Singapore National Museum this holiday. I gained a lot of knowledge and it was a very meaningful visit. The National Museum of Singapore is the nation’s oldest museum established in 1887. It is Singapore’s largest and most modern museum, using state-of-the-art multimedia technology to bring history to life. I visited the 'Singapore Living Galleries', which is divided into 4 themes: Photography, Food, Fashion and Film & Wayang.
Firstly, in the Photography gallery, I viewed collections of old photographs and family portraits. These portray the life of locals back then in Singapore through artefacts and images.
Secondly, in the Food gallery, I viewed displays of food-related artefacts such as laksa etc. It presented the street life back then in Singapore and sound installations make the gallery more interesting.
Thirdly, in the Fashion gallery, I viewed different costumes worn by women back then. The gallery also displayed the different fabric used to make clothes such as silk etc.
Lastly in the Film & Wayang gallery, I watched old films produced back then and also got a chance to listen to different movie theme songs. I was really fascinated as I explored the production of films and the manual effects.
I learnt a great deal of things in my visit to this museum and such as events in the Singapore history and individuals who actually witnessed the history.
Firstly, in the Photography gallery, I viewed collections of old photographs and family portraits. These portray the life of locals back then in Singapore through artefacts and images.
Secondly, in the Food gallery, I viewed displays of food-related artefacts such as laksa etc. It presented the street life back then in Singapore and sound installations make the gallery more interesting.
Thirdly, in the Fashion gallery, I viewed different costumes worn by women back then. The gallery also displayed the different fabric used to make clothes such as silk etc.
Lastly in the Film & Wayang gallery, I watched old films produced back then and also got a chance to listen to different movie theme songs. I was really fascinated as I explored the production of films and the manual effects.
I learnt a great deal of things in my visit to this museum and such as events in the Singapore history and individuals who actually witnessed the history.
Thursday, 13 December 2012
[Viewing & Listening] - The Hunger Games review
The Hunger Games is adapted from a novel. Every year, one boy and one girl from each of the 12 districts are randomly selected to compete in the Hunger Games, a televised battle to the death for the Capitol's amusement. When Katniss's younger sister is chosen as one of District 12's representatives, she volunteers to be the tribute in her sister's place. Katniss embarks on a journey to emerge as the Hunger Games' sole victor, and she must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
After watching this movie, I would recommend it to teenagers above 13 years old. The movie may not be suitable for young teenagers as there are some brutal scenes in which several teens are slaughtered by their fellow contestants. Despite the violence, the movie explores thought-provoking themes about totalitarian government and screen violence as entertainment. The Hunger Games showcased intense characters, detailed costume designing, and an atmosphere that truly brought the novel to life. The plot moved smoothly and efficiently. I think that the main character, Katniss, is a strong heroine who is selfless and i would regard her as a true survivor. It is a very popular movie among teenagers and it depicts the very future that the global elite are trying to create.
After watching this movie, I would recommend it to teenagers above 13 years old. The movie may not be suitable for young teenagers as there are some brutal scenes in which several teens are slaughtered by their fellow contestants. Despite the violence, the movie explores thought-provoking themes about totalitarian government and screen violence as entertainment. The Hunger Games showcased intense characters, detailed costume designing, and an atmosphere that truly brought the novel to life. The plot moved smoothly and efficiently. I think that the main character, Katniss, is a strong heroine who is selfless and i would regard her as a true survivor. It is a very popular movie among teenagers and it depicts the very future that the global elite are trying to create.
Saturday, 8 December 2012
[Reading & Writing] - Teenage magazine review
1. There are titles for a beauty product like 'Crease No More!' with its sub-title as 'Mop up that oil slick for a fresh and clean look!'. It targets on mainly teenagers as the age group most common with skin issues such as acne. The article writes on some simple techniques to maintain clear skin. It attracts teenagers to buy the product as they would also want to have flawless skin.
2. There are titles for events like 'Helping Hands' with its sub-title as 'Students at the PSB Academy go beyond the classroom to learn about the lives of other less fortunate'. It targets on teenagers, to spur them to do more charity work. The article writes on how the students help the Cambodian children to raise money to help them. It attracts teenagers to put in some effort to help the less fortunate as it makes us feel guilty for not doing anything up till now.
3. There are titles like 'Celeb-rate Girl's Fashion!' It targets on teenagers and adults, attracting the audience to continue reading the article since most of them would want to look as trendy as their favourite celebrities. The article writes on how celebrities like Kristen Stewart etc. can look so fantastic in street casual, promoting on Dickies products. The readers will be interested to go down to the store and have a look at the clothings.
2. There are titles for events like 'Helping Hands' with its sub-title as 'Students at the PSB Academy go beyond the classroom to learn about the lives of other less fortunate'. It targets on teenagers, to spur them to do more charity work. The article writes on how the students help the Cambodian children to raise money to help them. It attracts teenagers to put in some effort to help the less fortunate as it makes us feel guilty for not doing anything up till now.
3. There are titles like 'Celeb-rate Girl's Fashion!' It targets on teenagers and adults, attracting the audience to continue reading the article since most of them would want to look as trendy as their favourite celebrities. The article writes on how celebrities like Kristen Stewart etc. can look so fantastic in street casual, promoting on Dickies products. The readers will be interested to go down to the store and have a look at the clothings.
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
[Reading & Writing] - Marley & Me review
Written by John Grogan, 'Marley & Me' is a great book suitable for teenagers, especially dog lovers! The book revolves around how John and Jenny brought a puppy, Marley, home in their early years of marriage. Marley became the inevitable integral part of their lives and he happily took the role of the World's Worst Dog. Marley's heart was pure.Through it all, he remained steadfast even when his family was at its wit's end. They would learn many forms of unconditional love.They live, learn and love Marley through these years until time comes for him to depart from the world.
I think that Marley & Me is an alternating combination of hilarious and tear-jerking. I loved seeing how Marley really affected the Grogan family as a whole. This book was captivating from page one. The story flowed smoothly, definitely a must-read for all dog lovers. I would recommend this lovely book to teenagers above 13 years old. In the beginning of the book it grabs your attention with a heart-felt story about a man and a dog bonding and becoming so close that it’s unreal. It is rare for such a great friendship. The heartwarming and unforgettable story of the family and the neurotic dog who taught them what really matters in life. One of my favourite quotes in the book is
"A dog judges others not by their color or creed or class but by who they are inside. A dog doesn't care if you are rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his. "
I think that Marley & Me is an alternating combination of hilarious and tear-jerking. I loved seeing how Marley really affected the Grogan family as a whole. This book was captivating from page one. The story flowed smoothly, definitely a must-read for all dog lovers. I would recommend this lovely book to teenagers above 13 years old. In the beginning of the book it grabs your attention with a heart-felt story about a man and a dog bonding and becoming so close that it’s unreal. It is rare for such a great friendship. The heartwarming and unforgettable story of the family and the neurotic dog who taught them what really matters in life. One of my favourite quotes in the book is
"A dog judges others not by their color or creed or class but by who they are inside. A dog doesn't care if you are rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his. "
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)