Source: Rape is rape, so husbands should not have immunity
Link to article: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8456323@N03/1471684467/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8456323@N03/1471686637/(You may copy out the image to zoom in and read it)
Category: Social Issues
Rape: the unlawful compelling of a woman through physical force or duress to have sexual intercourse.
From this definition we can deduce that any woman can be raped, be it a single female, a married female, a mother, a daughter, any female. However, can you call it rape when a man forces his own wife whom he pledged his loyalty, undying love and care for be considered rape? I believe that yes, it is rape. Before I read this article I was unaware that husbands would actually force their own wives to have sexual intercourse with them, I did not think it was not possible but I just felt it was very unlikely; as you know men are supposed to be caring towards their wives and vice versa.
The author has the same viewpoint as me, however under the Penal Code; the husband cannot be prosecuted for such a charge. How is this justice? Rape is the act of the unlawful compelling of a woman through physical force or duress to have sexual intercourse, only in this case the unlawful is her husband. I can understand that of course there will be wives who are trying to falsely accuse their husbands of rape to get more money out of their divorce settlement, but think of the pain and suffering a real rape victim would have to go through because of her husband. It was found that” marital rape is more traumatic than stranger rape for wives suffer same physical injury, psychological trauma, guilt and self-reproach as victims of stranger rapists, they also feel betrayed, trapped and isolated.” Is it justice to leave those victims alone with their problems? To let them put up with rape? One of the rights that everyone especially in such a safe environment in Singapore, is the right to security. You cannot blame the wife for being a rape victim in this case the husband was typically, stronger, and bigger than her she could not have stopped him. Should this right of security be entitled to everyone? And does it mean that if you are a wife you cannot have this right?
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Monday, September 3, 2007
Say kNOw to camera phone!!!
Source: Camera phone? Tech Dino says no
Link to article: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8456323@N03/1472532374/(You may copy out the image to zoom in and read it)
Category: Teenage Issues
The author believes that the new phone models are just packed with too many functions. He feels that even thought the phone has functions of a camera, a radio, an organizer and yes it is very portable and convenient, however, once you damage that phone all its functions and convenience would be crippled. Should he have brought a portable radio, a camera, a notebook, if the camera drops and becomes spoiled the rest of his belongings are still usable.
I agree with his idea to a large extent, I personally have experienced the pain of losing all your data and trying to recover all of them. I was recently given a new phone which had an mp3 player, a camera, organizer, it could even play pokemon games, until one fateful day when I dropped it; the screen went blank and I could not use any of the functions above because I could no even select it in the first place.
I believe that the technological savvy people would just continue to expand their knowledge on new technology and the gap between the tech Dinos, as the author stated, would just lengthen and eventually the tech Dinos would be left behind.
The other part of me that disagreed with the author was when he said, and I quote “having a camera phone so that you can take pictures of any and every inconsequential object, like many people do?” when he says any and every inconsequential this only applies to him, because the “inconsequential” object may be of a greater sentimental value than he thinks. An object may trigger a whole host of fruitful memories such as a picture of a heart may signify this persons first date, so what may be of irrelevance to him may just be something dear to another person. We also have moved on since those old days where on would have to take pictures with a lot of care because film was expensive to buy and to develop. We can now digitally take pictures and see the picture on the camera screen in an instant, so even though people might look as if they are taking the picture and keeping them, they might actually be deleting them after taking the picture.
He also says that “these new inventions just add clutter to an already chaotic modern life” I feel otherwise, these things are there so that you can relax and have a little fun when one is using it, no one expects you to use you camera every day and moment of your life, it is just a passing phase and people should not get enslaved by technology. (442 words)
Link to article: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8456323@N03/1472532374/(You may copy out the image to zoom in and read it)
Category: Teenage Issues
The author believes that the new phone models are just packed with too many functions. He feels that even thought the phone has functions of a camera, a radio, an organizer and yes it is very portable and convenient, however, once you damage that phone all its functions and convenience would be crippled. Should he have brought a portable radio, a camera, a notebook, if the camera drops and becomes spoiled the rest of his belongings are still usable.
I agree with his idea to a large extent, I personally have experienced the pain of losing all your data and trying to recover all of them. I was recently given a new phone which had an mp3 player, a camera, organizer, it could even play pokemon games, until one fateful day when I dropped it; the screen went blank and I could not use any of the functions above because I could no even select it in the first place.
I believe that the technological savvy people would just continue to expand their knowledge on new technology and the gap between the tech Dinos, as the author stated, would just lengthen and eventually the tech Dinos would be left behind.
The other part of me that disagreed with the author was when he said, and I quote “having a camera phone so that you can take pictures of any and every inconsequential object, like many people do?” when he says any and every inconsequential this only applies to him, because the “inconsequential” object may be of a greater sentimental value than he thinks. An object may trigger a whole host of fruitful memories such as a picture of a heart may signify this persons first date, so what may be of irrelevance to him may just be something dear to another person. We also have moved on since those old days where on would have to take pictures with a lot of care because film was expensive to buy and to develop. We can now digitally take pictures and see the picture on the camera screen in an instant, so even though people might look as if they are taking the picture and keeping them, they might actually be deleting them after taking the picture.
He also says that “these new inventions just add clutter to an already chaotic modern life” I feel otherwise, these things are there so that you can relax and have a little fun when one is using it, no one expects you to use you camera every day and moment of your life, it is just a passing phase and people should not get enslaved by technology. (442 words)
Friday, May 18, 2007
Source: Not true that all gays are hedonistic and loose
Link to Article http://www.flickr.com/photos/8456323@N03/510952113/ (You may copy out the image to zoom in and read it)
Category: Societal Issues
Do you know of someone who is homosexual? Well, I do. There is a common misconception people have that homosexuals are promiscuous and they publicize their sexual acts. This is not true, and I believe that the percentage of heterosexuals who do this is far more than that of homosexuals. Many people also perceive that homosexuals are useless and do not contribute their part to the community, however in the article it states that out of a hundred people that volunteered to help cleaned and painted more than a hundred and fifty homes for the elderly, the majority of them were homosexuals.
I have to honestly admit that I was someone who thought all homosexuals are hedonistic and promiscuous; however, I have changed my opinion about them when I met a friend of a friend. He seemed normal at first so I started to chat with him, not knowing he was homosexual, I asked if he had a girlfriend, he said no, so I thought it is normal for some people not the have partners so early in life, until he said that he had a boyfriend. I was so shocked and I even thought he was playing a prank on me. A few days later, a group of friends, including myself met up and I saw him holding hands with another guy. I concluded from that instant that he was homosexual. I was shocked for the first few days but after that I started to think what is so wrong about being homosexual? He was quite normal, acted like a normal heterosexual boy would, so what was it that was bugging me? I still do not know the answer to that question, however I am now more open to homosexuals I still mix around with him and he even picked out a present for my mom which she liked very much!
The point of this is that I feel that we should accept homosexuals into our society, we should not kick them out just because they are different but we should accept them because they are fellow human beings, fellow citizens that do help contribute to society.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Celebrity cons
Source: Celebrity used to sell misleading ads
Category: Societal Issues
Link to article: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8456323@N03/510952123/ (You may copy out the image to zoom in and read it)
Do you have an extra waistline? Do you need to lose some pounds and look your best for an upcoming party? This sounds all too familiar. Mr. Guo Degang a Chinese cross-talk star advertised for a Tibetan fat eliminating tea, the tea products sold very well until a horrible twist of fate occurred. The tea product had been found to be dubious and sub-standard products and services. The products came off the shelves and consumers started seeing Mr. Guo and the manufacturer.
Firstly, I feel that Mr. Guo is irresponsible for helping the manufacturers to advertise this product without questioning them how this works or doing any research on the product. Mr. Guo should know that as a celebrity his advertisements will have more impact on the unthinking masses compared to an anonymous person in an advertisement.
Secondly, I would like to comment on the consumers for being quite irrational. The consumers have a mind to think, and act accordingly so they are really responsible for their actions. No one forced them into taking this slimming tea; the consumers make their on decisions. Like if you were to go to McDonalds every time you see their advertisement because they say it is so delicious, which it is, it would be ridiculous to sue them if you are going to gain twenty kilograms because it is your choice to eat there, you could have eaten some where else that serves healthy food, unless you don’t mind the extra weight.
Thirdly, the integrity of the product, the product exploits the vulnerability that most humans have --- wanting to be beautiful. Men and women now all over the world are so image conscious that they are willing to take pills and weird chemicals without researching or consulting an expert, this may affect or harm one’s health significantly. The manufacturers should know best about their products and they should not sell their products if they know that it will do more harm than good to people.
From my personal experience, I know of a case where a similar product was sold except it was in pill form. A celebrity had taken it and ended up in the hospital, fortunately for her she recovered in the end. I feel that I would not go and try all these sliming pills unnecessarily. I would take the pills only if they satisfy three conditions, firstly, they must be recommended by some one whom I can trust and it works for him. Secondly, I would do my homework and read up on the product and its contents to se if there is anything dubious, and lastly, I would consult an expert to see if it I fine to take the pills.
In conclusion I hope that people will wise up and either lose weight the old fashion way.
(470 words)
Category: Societal Issues
Link to article: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8456323@N03/510952123/ (You may copy out the image to zoom in and read it)
Do you have an extra waistline? Do you need to lose some pounds and look your best for an upcoming party? This sounds all too familiar. Mr. Guo Degang a Chinese cross-talk star advertised for a Tibetan fat eliminating tea, the tea products sold very well until a horrible twist of fate occurred. The tea product had been found to be dubious and sub-standard products and services. The products came off the shelves and consumers started seeing Mr. Guo and the manufacturer.
Firstly, I feel that Mr. Guo is irresponsible for helping the manufacturers to advertise this product without questioning them how this works or doing any research on the product. Mr. Guo should know that as a celebrity his advertisements will have more impact on the unthinking masses compared to an anonymous person in an advertisement.
Secondly, I would like to comment on the consumers for being quite irrational. The consumers have a mind to think, and act accordingly so they are really responsible for their actions. No one forced them into taking this slimming tea; the consumers make their on decisions. Like if you were to go to McDonalds every time you see their advertisement because they say it is so delicious, which it is, it would be ridiculous to sue them if you are going to gain twenty kilograms because it is your choice to eat there, you could have eaten some where else that serves healthy food, unless you don’t mind the extra weight.
Thirdly, the integrity of the product, the product exploits the vulnerability that most humans have --- wanting to be beautiful. Men and women now all over the world are so image conscious that they are willing to take pills and weird chemicals without researching or consulting an expert, this may affect or harm one’s health significantly. The manufacturers should know best about their products and they should not sell their products if they know that it will do more harm than good to people.
From my personal experience, I know of a case where a similar product was sold except it was in pill form. A celebrity had taken it and ended up in the hospital, fortunately for her she recovered in the end. I feel that I would not go and try all these sliming pills unnecessarily. I would take the pills only if they satisfy three conditions, firstly, they must be recommended by some one whom I can trust and it works for him. Secondly, I would do my homework and read up on the product and its contents to se if there is anything dubious, and lastly, I would consult an expert to see if it I fine to take the pills.
In conclusion I hope that people will wise up and either lose weight the old fashion way.
(470 words)
Monday, March 5, 2007
Going Green, So Late?
Category: Environmental Issue
Article: "Big Businesses Go Green"
From: Straits times 3 Feb 07
Many have heard of the phrase "a stitch in time saves nine" it applies to many divers context in life, I can make a connection between the article and some Singapore scenarios: Casino opening, gaming what they all have in common is addiction, and that if we do no quickly cease that addiction we might fall into a trap that we may never get out of, basically these things will contribute to social problems and they will have a chain reaction of effects such as broken families or even bankruptcy.
This article that I have read I from the pro-green activists point of view, and that the assumption is that our world is slowly dying hence the combined effort of big corperations. This article is part of a full report on climate change that affects our lives where the forecast is extremely bleak. The big companies have pledged to remove all green house gas emissions from all of their products. By doing this i am sure that Nike would suffer a loss of profit maybe due to poorer quality products because they have to watch out for the green house gases. I think that monetary incentives should be given to these companies to encourage more campanies to cut down on their carbon dioxide output that is if we are looking at it in a novel way.
I feel Singapore is very deprived of natural sources hence, we do not feel the full blow of global warming, we do not have corals nor Dolphins or even snow to see it deplete slowly before our very own eyes so we feel that the world is doing fine but in fact it is not; and the fact that I am barely fifteen years old and have not seen much of the world, I am no doubt very angry with them for not thinking thoroughly and not considering the consequences of emitting so much carbon dioxide into our beautiful world.
Everyone has a part to play when it comes to fighting global warming; it simply boils down to every single citizen of the world. The situation has worsened to such an extent that the world's largest corperations are banding together to conserve the environment.
I believe that the only reason they are doing this is because the human existence is at stake, I feel that humans naturally have to be stricken with fear before we actually begin to do something constructive for the world but unless that happens we will only care for nobody but ourselves.
I myself have to start doing something for the world , last year in Singapore the temperature was never this high before and this year Singapore has had the worst flood in decades and this happens to coincide with the report, so it makes me feel scared and think whether i will be able to live to a ripe old age.
(486 words)
Article: "Big Businesses Go Green"
From: Straits times 3 Feb 07
Many have heard of the phrase "a stitch in time saves nine" it applies to many divers context in life, I can make a connection between the article and some Singapore scenarios: Casino opening, gaming what they all have in common is addiction, and that if we do no quickly cease that addiction we might fall into a trap that we may never get out of, basically these things will contribute to social problems and they will have a chain reaction of effects such as broken families or even bankruptcy.
This article that I have read I from the pro-green activists point of view, and that the assumption is that our world is slowly dying hence the combined effort of big corperations. This article is part of a full report on climate change that affects our lives where the forecast is extremely bleak. The big companies have pledged to remove all green house gas emissions from all of their products. By doing this i am sure that Nike would suffer a loss of profit maybe due to poorer quality products because they have to watch out for the green house gases. I think that monetary incentives should be given to these companies to encourage more campanies to cut down on their carbon dioxide output that is if we are looking at it in a novel way.
I feel Singapore is very deprived of natural sources hence, we do not feel the full blow of global warming, we do not have corals nor Dolphins or even snow to see it deplete slowly before our very own eyes so we feel that the world is doing fine but in fact it is not; and the fact that I am barely fifteen years old and have not seen much of the world, I am no doubt very angry with them for not thinking thoroughly and not considering the consequences of emitting so much carbon dioxide into our beautiful world.
Everyone has a part to play when it comes to fighting global warming; it simply boils down to every single citizen of the world. The situation has worsened to such an extent that the world's largest corperations are banding together to conserve the environment.
I believe that the only reason they are doing this is because the human existence is at stake, I feel that humans naturally have to be stricken with fear before we actually begin to do something constructive for the world but unless that happens we will only care for nobody but ourselves.
I myself have to start doing something for the world , last year in Singapore the temperature was never this high before and this year Singapore has had the worst flood in decades and this happens to coincide with the report, so it makes me feel scared and think whether i will be able to live to a ripe old age.
(486 words)
Sunday, March 4, 2007
"Singlish" Asset or Liability?
Category: Societal issues
Article:"I'm a "Basket" Case"
From: "Today" 3 Feb 07
According to Neil Humphreys, Singlish vulgarities is a real asset (in an ironic form) in foreign land. The fact that he knows that he is protected because many foreign people do not know the language, so he gets the pleasure of ventng his anger and/or insulting someone and getting away with it. This tells me something dark and shadowy about being a human and our ways, using a language that someone does not understand on him for ignoble purposes. From my past experience from traveling so many times to Jakarta , because my father is a Singaporean PR(Permanent Resident), I realised that the worst insult i know that can really make somebody there really mad over ther is the word "Monyet" which means Monkey in English.
Most of the expletives in Singapore are in Hokkien which makes me wonder, are Hokkien people more vulgar than let's say compared to a Malays or Indians? I am not to sure about that but it seems most deemed decent terms are in Malay such as "longkang" which means drain; however i think if a surevey is carried out to Russians, Japanese.etc i am quite sure that most vulgarities would fall under a certain category for example wanton love making or an illegitimate child or perhaps male or female sex organs, most likely every known tongue has an equilivent word.
The Australian expatriate's point of view , I feel, is not attacking Singlish although he only remembers the ugly side of Singlish yet those expletives have sentimental values and it is the only way he can bring back memories of Singapore and it looks like he is very much gleeful that he can use them.
On a side note, the creators of "Phua Chu Kang"television sitcom is responding to the debate whether Singlish is good or bad and "Ang Moh" would not fully appreciate the beauty of Singlish uttered jokes.
Now, i will end off with a question for you to ponder over, if Singlish is bad, why did "Phua Chu Kang" television sitcom did not fail but became a national icon of endearment?
(350words)
Article:"I'm a "Basket" Case"
From: "Today" 3 Feb 07
According to Neil Humphreys, Singlish vulgarities is a real asset (in an ironic form) in foreign land. The fact that he knows that he is protected because many foreign people do not know the language, so he gets the pleasure of ventng his anger and/or insulting someone and getting away with it. This tells me something dark and shadowy about being a human and our ways, using a language that someone does not understand on him for ignoble purposes. From my past experience from traveling so many times to Jakarta , because my father is a Singaporean PR(Permanent Resident), I realised that the worst insult i know that can really make somebody there really mad over ther is the word "Monyet" which means Monkey in English.
Most of the expletives in Singapore are in Hokkien which makes me wonder, are Hokkien people more vulgar than let's say compared to a Malays or Indians? I am not to sure about that but it seems most deemed decent terms are in Malay such as "longkang" which means drain; however i think if a surevey is carried out to Russians, Japanese.etc i am quite sure that most vulgarities would fall under a certain category for example wanton love making or an illegitimate child or perhaps male or female sex organs, most likely every known tongue has an equilivent word.
The Australian expatriate's point of view , I feel, is not attacking Singlish although he only remembers the ugly side of Singlish yet those expletives have sentimental values and it is the only way he can bring back memories of Singapore and it looks like he is very much gleeful that he can use them.
On a side note, the creators of "Phua Chu Kang"television sitcom is responding to the debate whether Singlish is good or bad and "Ang Moh" would not fully appreciate the beauty of Singlish uttered jokes.
Now, i will end off with a question for you to ponder over, if Singlish is bad, why did "Phua Chu Kang" television sitcom did not fail but became a national icon of endearment?
(350words)
Monday, February 5, 2007
Ist day on the job
HI ALL!!! This is my first time writing a blog and to me i think it is a fun and interesting way of handing up assignments! It is much more convenient to access a blog because almost everyone has internet access at home and so the teachers would be able to mark or read their students blog practically anywhere! I can totally pick my own hip and trendy c o l o u r s rather than just sticking to the plain old blue and black inks! Hope you enjoy reading my opinions on the current news! :)
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