I’m sure all Singaporeans have experienced a haze and fervently wished that it will stop, albeit bouts of series haze every year.Now, it might just come true. The region’s haze problems would be solved as Indonesia pledges to introduce tougher laws to combat offenders by banning open air forest fires.
While Indonesia has pledges to step up measures in curbing the haze problem, other factors seem to show that it is very difficult, maybe impossible at all. The sub-regional steering committee, formed in 2006, has since been tasked to look into the haze problem. However, it might be saying something are over the course of these 3 years statistics has indicated a worsening of the situation. Even the minorities also said that it would be “impractical to aim for a “zero-haze” situation”, which might be worsened in the coming months. Also, internal problems like corruption might also hinder the progress as the laws will be bent and rendering it ineffective. Lastly, due to the vast territory and many farmers residing in Indonesia, Indonesia cannot possibly control all those farmers. These mean that Indonesia needs a long time to curb the haze problem as much as possible as its internal problems will greatly hinder its progress in curbing the problem. Indonesia needs to tackle and solve these problems to hasten the process of curbing the haze problem.
However, Indonesia might have greater chances of success with new help from neighboring countries. Indo is not to be fully blamed as its residents are poor, particularly who uses the slash-and-burn method to clear the forests. Compared to US$5, the US$250 cost of using more eco-friendly methods is a major deferent to would be uses, as many would obviously go for the much cheaper method. This means that such farmers need to be taught to look for alternative methods instead of the slash-and-burn. The question hovers really about the implementation and effectiveness of these solutions. Singapore’s Minister of Environment and waste resources Mr. Yaacob Ibrahim, noted that although it was a little late, Indonesia is taking a “very major” move to penalize offenders, a move that might critically speak greater resistance. Other countries are also offering Indonesia assistance in combating further outbreaks of the forest fires. These solutions, if implemented practically, will definitely help to curb the haze problem in Indonesia.
Many poor farmers in Indonesia, as mentioned above, do not want to waste so much money to use more eco-friendly methods to clear forests. The cost as mentioned before can reach up to 50 times the cost of slash-and-burn. The Indonesia government must not only penalize the offenders, but in my opinion they should also strongly encourage the farmers to use eco-friendly methods. One such method would be to subsidize their cost of using eco-friendly methods to clear forests. This subsidy would not only make the farmers listen to the government, this would also make the farmers think that the Indonesia government is very kind and helpful. This small little help from the government, other than help the farmers, but it can only help the world in the global scale. Using more eco-friendly method would not only solve the haze problem in Singapore, but it would also help the Earth in reducing carbon emissions.
To conclude, although Indonesia’s natural problems can greatly hinder the progress of Indonesia’s move to penalize offenders and stop slash-and-burn problems, help from outside might also help to balance the scales. Indonesia has lots to do to curb the haze problem as much as possible. The only thing we citizens can do is to wait and see.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Q1.(B)
A relationship with an elder can be a double edged sword. Just like the sea, it can float a ship, so can it sink it. A relationship with an elder requires mutual respect, love and care. An elder may not only be a teacher, an instructor or a mentor. An elder can be someone that I can look up to, pour my hearts out to, share my pain and laughter with, and enjoy life with. One can either live with the elder the way i stated above, or another side of life. A relationship with an elder can be one that is bitter and full of hatred. One can treat an elder as someone very troublesome, irritating and noisy. This kind of people will never feel the true way of life. The relationship I am having with my most respected elder, my mother is the first.
As I was a child, my mother has always looked after me, cared for me, worried for me, and most importantly, loved me. When I was a child, I can remember my mother playing with the energetic me. We loved each other’s company, and we cherished every moment of it. Year by year passed, I grew up with time, and my mother grew old as time passed. I still remember when my mother’s hair was a shiny black colour, and as I grew to be a teenager, I noticed the obvious changes in my mother’s body. Wrinkles started to grow, her hair started greying, and she walked slower than ever before. We always shared each other’s worries. Mine about school, about the philosophy of life. Hers about financial problems, her worries for both me and my brother. I started to understand what life meant. It did not revolve around me, it did not only contain me and my small little world. I had to grow up, I had to age.
The whole time i was having this happy relationship with my mother, I have never thought about what age would bring us humans into. As I started to age and mature, the thought of death started to haunt me. At that time, my grandmother passed away. I did not understand why human die, and what the purpose of dying or living is. After that, i started pondering about when death would come to me or my family, and how I would react to it.
I feel that we must face life and death with bravery and happiness, not sorrow and trying to escape it. When it comes, we should not escape it, but welcome it in a positive attitude. When death comes to us, there is no way to escape it anyway. So we might as well live our life to the fullest, and appreciate life as it was given to us, and appreciate the ones around us, and most importantly, cherish all your relationships.
A relationship with an elder can be a double edged sword. Just like the sea, it can float a ship, so can it sink it. A relationship with an elder requires mutual respect, love and care. An elder may not only be a teacher, an instructor or a mentor. An elder can be someone that I can look up to, pour my hearts out to, share my pain and laughter with, and enjoy life with. One can either live with the elder the way i stated above, or another side of life. A relationship with an elder can be one that is bitter and full of hatred. One can treat an elder as someone very troublesome, irritating and noisy. This kind of people will never feel the true way of life. The relationship I am having with my most respected elder, my mother is the first.
As I was a child, my mother has always looked after me, cared for me, worried for me, and most importantly, loved me. When I was a child, I can remember my mother playing with the energetic me. We loved each other’s company, and we cherished every moment of it. Year by year passed, I grew up with time, and my mother grew old as time passed. I still remember when my mother’s hair was a shiny black colour, and as I grew to be a teenager, I noticed the obvious changes in my mother’s body. Wrinkles started to grow, her hair started greying, and she walked slower than ever before. We always shared each other’s worries. Mine about school, about the philosophy of life. Hers about financial problems, her worries for both me and my brother. I started to understand what life meant. It did not revolve around me, it did not only contain me and my small little world. I had to grow up, I had to age.
The whole time i was having this happy relationship with my mother, I have never thought about what age would bring us humans into. As I started to age and mature, the thought of death started to haunt me. At that time, my grandmother passed away. I did not understand why human die, and what the purpose of dying or living is. After that, i started pondering about when death would come to me or my family, and how I would react to it.
I feel that we must face life and death with bravery and happiness, not sorrow and trying to escape it. When it comes, we should not escape it, but welcome it in a positive attitude. When death comes to us, there is no way to escape it anyway. So we might as well live our life to the fullest, and appreciate life as it was given to us, and appreciate the ones around us, and most importantly, cherish all your relationships.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
English Commentary
Question1.
This article mainly talks about the dangers of listening to music or text messaging while driving or walking, and why people should refrain from doing these things. The article mentioned that students from Singapore are indifferent about this event. They still expressed their indifference in a very irresponsible manner, saying that looking out for pedestrians who do not hear car horns should be the driver’s responsibility, and not theirs. Students express that they would still listen to music or text message while walking or driving, even if they knew the dangers.
This article mainly talks about the dangers of listening to music or text messaging while driving or walking, and why people should refrain from doing these things. The article mentioned that students from Singapore are indifferent about this event. They still expressed their indifference in a very irresponsible manner, saying that looking out for pedestrians who do not hear car horns should be the driver’s responsibility, and not theirs. Students express that they would still listen to music or text message while walking or driving, even if they knew the dangers.
How to survive on the roads(Question2)
What if you died and you did not know what happened to you? Would you want to wake up in the hospital not knowing what happened to you? Text messaging while walking may not only be a hazard to yourself, but a hazard towards others. For example, if you were text messaging on the road without noticing the people in front of you, both parties would knock into each other, and in the worst case scenario, both will get injured. Listening to music while driving or walking on the road maybe an enjoyable thing, it can be a nuisance to others. Therefore, I think text messaging on the road and listening to music while doing other things should be controlled, so we would save more people. In this commentary I will tell you why doing those things should be seriously controlled.
Firstly, I think that listening to music while driving or walking should be banned, as it may cause accidents to happen. Earlier research by the RAC Foundation, a British motoring organization, found drivers were twice as likely to skip a red light while listening to music. Listening to music while driving reduces one’s reaction time by 15%, as researched by the RAC Foundation. Research conducted by the Canadian study showed that when people carry out various tasks while listening to music at 95 decibels reduce their reaction time by 20%. They conducted this experiment with music at 58 decibels, and reaction time was only reduced by 5%. In Mumbai, drivers are not allowed to listen to the radio while driving. If drivers get caught listening to music while driving, they will be fined heavily. The rationale of this rule is that music can disrupt other drivers, and the driver himself/herself. Listening to fast music nearly doubles the chances of meeting into an accident. Fast music causes the heart rate to increase significantly, and this would decrease reaction time of the driver. Youngsters these days like to listen to music at more than 50% of the maximum volume, and this would make them oblivious to their surroundings. Surgeon Chan Kwai Onn of K.O. Chan Ear Nose Throat Sinus and Sleep centre said that noise cancelling ear canal earphone can silence almost 100% of ambient noise, leading to the high possibility of accidents.
Next I also think that text messaging while driving or walking should also be banned. Research conducted by the RAC Foundation showed that text messaging while driving reduces reaction time by 35% this would eventually lead up to horrific accidents that would not only harm the driver, but also other drivers and pedestrians. Youngsters in Singapore like to text message while they are on the go, and by a research conducted by reporters showed that youngsters do not care that they bump into people while walking and text messaging at the same time. Another student said that if someone is walking towards him and is going to bump into him, it is the first person’s responsibility to look out for other people. I would say that this is seriously a misconception by students, and they need to know that their safety is in their own hands.
People might say that listening to fast paced music while driving or walking sets the mood for them and it should neither be controlled nor be banned. Yes, it is true that it really aids in making one’s feeling better, but I seriously think that feeling good is nothing compared to one’s safety. As people always say, and as I always say, nothing is comparable in importance that safety itself. I think that these students are looking for their own deaths, and should learn how to cherish life better. Life is more than just listening to fact paced music, and thinking that one is “cool” but listening to such music. No matter how cool you are, no one would notice you as a person, but notice you as a worldly nuisance. From my personal experience, I can tell you that messaging and listening to music while driving is not a very good idea to stay alive, but is a very good idea on how to die without knowing how you died. I myself nearly got hit by a speeding car when crossing the road while text messaging. Therefore, if you want to die for no reason, please do text message and listen to fast paced music as you walk or drive.
All in all, listening to fast paced music and text messaging while walking should be banned or controlled. Life should be cherished and therefore my conclusion. Imagine yourself as one of the people that died because of this, would you want to be one of them, it is free of charge! So put those mp3’s and phones away while walking or driving.
What if you died and you did not know what happened to you? Would you want to wake up in the hospital not knowing what happened to you? Text messaging while walking may not only be a hazard to yourself, but a hazard towards others. For example, if you were text messaging on the road without noticing the people in front of you, both parties would knock into each other, and in the worst case scenario, both will get injured. Listening to music while driving or walking on the road maybe an enjoyable thing, it can be a nuisance to others. Therefore, I think text messaging on the road and listening to music while doing other things should be controlled, so we would save more people. In this commentary I will tell you why doing those things should be seriously controlled.
Firstly, I think that listening to music while driving or walking should be banned, as it may cause accidents to happen. Earlier research by the RAC Foundation, a British motoring organization, found drivers were twice as likely to skip a red light while listening to music. Listening to music while driving reduces one’s reaction time by 15%, as researched by the RAC Foundation. Research conducted by the Canadian study showed that when people carry out various tasks while listening to music at 95 decibels reduce their reaction time by 20%. They conducted this experiment with music at 58 decibels, and reaction time was only reduced by 5%. In Mumbai, drivers are not allowed to listen to the radio while driving. If drivers get caught listening to music while driving, they will be fined heavily. The rationale of this rule is that music can disrupt other drivers, and the driver himself/herself. Listening to fast music nearly doubles the chances of meeting into an accident. Fast music causes the heart rate to increase significantly, and this would decrease reaction time of the driver. Youngsters these days like to listen to music at more than 50% of the maximum volume, and this would make them oblivious to their surroundings. Surgeon Chan Kwai Onn of K.O. Chan Ear Nose Throat Sinus and Sleep centre said that noise cancelling ear canal earphone can silence almost 100% of ambient noise, leading to the high possibility of accidents.
Next I also think that text messaging while driving or walking should also be banned. Research conducted by the RAC Foundation showed that text messaging while driving reduces reaction time by 35% this would eventually lead up to horrific accidents that would not only harm the driver, but also other drivers and pedestrians. Youngsters in Singapore like to text message while they are on the go, and by a research conducted by reporters showed that youngsters do not care that they bump into people while walking and text messaging at the same time. Another student said that if someone is walking towards him and is going to bump into him, it is the first person’s responsibility to look out for other people. I would say that this is seriously a misconception by students, and they need to know that their safety is in their own hands.
People might say that listening to fast paced music while driving or walking sets the mood for them and it should neither be controlled nor be banned. Yes, it is true that it really aids in making one’s feeling better, but I seriously think that feeling good is nothing compared to one’s safety. As people always say, and as I always say, nothing is comparable in importance that safety itself. I think that these students are looking for their own deaths, and should learn how to cherish life better. Life is more than just listening to fact paced music, and thinking that one is “cool” but listening to such music. No matter how cool you are, no one would notice you as a person, but notice you as a worldly nuisance. From my personal experience, I can tell you that messaging and listening to music while driving is not a very good idea to stay alive, but is a very good idea on how to die without knowing how you died. I myself nearly got hit by a speeding car when crossing the road while text messaging. Therefore, if you want to die for no reason, please do text message and listen to fast paced music as you walk or drive.
All in all, listening to fast paced music and text messaging while walking should be banned or controlled. Life should be cherished and therefore my conclusion. Imagine yourself as one of the people that died because of this, would you want to be one of them, it is free of charge! So put those mp3’s and phones away while walking or driving.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
intro
Ever wondered if we humans could live forever? So what is the thing about stem cell research? It helps us humans to advance in both medical science and life sciences. Why did the stupid bush ban it anyways? It should have been lifted a zillion years ago. In this post I shall explore more about the Embryonic Stem Cell Research, and why I agree that it should have been allowed.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Commentary
SO what is the thing about stem cell research? It helps us humans to advance in both medical science and life sciences. Why did the stupid bush ban it anyways? It should have been lifted a zillion years ago. In this post I shall explore more about the Embryonic Stem Cell Research, and why I agree that it should have been allowed.
Firstly, according the extensive research done by the National Health Board of U.S.A, doing research on stem cell research may have the potential for an outbreak of potentially fatal cancerous tumors caused by the therapeutic use of embryonic stem cells. Despite this con, stem cell research can unlock many unopened doors in medical science, such as the cure for heart diseases, cancer and paralysis.
Secondly, the results of stem cell research can produce cells that can regenerate any part of the human body. For one, cells can regenerate the degenerated cells in a paralyzed human being by the cause of a car accident, or industrial accidents. In such accidents, the spinal cord may be somehow broken or crushed, and stem cells can be used to regrow these cells and allow the person to enjoy the incredible feeling of walking and running around again.
As such, stem cell research should have been allowed a very long time ago, and Obama's decision was a wise one.
Firstly, according the extensive research done by the National Health Board of U.S.A, doing research on stem cell research may have the potential for an outbreak of potentially fatal cancerous tumors caused by the therapeutic use of embryonic stem cells. Despite this con, stem cell research can unlock many unopened doors in medical science, such as the cure for heart diseases, cancer and paralysis.
Secondly, the results of stem cell research can produce cells that can regenerate any part of the human body. For one, cells can regenerate the degenerated cells in a paralyzed human being by the cause of a car accident, or industrial accidents. In such accidents, the spinal cord may be somehow broken or crushed, and stem cells can be used to regrow these cells and allow the person to enjoy the incredible feeling of walking and running around again.
As such, stem cell research should have been allowed a very long time ago, and Obama's decision was a wise one.
What President Obama did when he reversed President Bush's executive order banning embryonic stem cell research was based not on solid science, but his desire to cater to the anti-life, pro-abortion forces and their media allies who helped elect him.
In doing this, he created the potential for an outbreak of potentially fatal cancerous tumors caused by the therapeutic use of embryonic stem cells.
Moreover, he killed another Bush presidential order that funded some of the most promising research on the creation of embryonic-like stem cells from harmless but potent adult stem cells.
What President Obama did when he rescinded President Bush's federal ban on certain lines of embryonic stem cell research ultimately could cost American lives.
Obama and his subservient mainstream media allies ignored science in favor of politics, and the results will prove to be disastrous.
What most people are unaware of is that there are three types of stem cell research: there is embryonic stem cell research (ESC), there is induced pluripotent (IPSC) research, and adult stem cell research (ASC).
When Barack Obama rescinded George Bush's ban on federal funding on certain types of embryonic stem cell research he also rescinded Bush's Executive Order 13435 which had provided federal funding for induced pluripotent stem cell research using harmless adult stem cells manipulated into mimicking embryonic stem cells without the risk ESC cells entail.
This is where 72 different diseases are now being remedied or cured.
There are no embryonic stem cells being used anywhere in the world on humans, with one tragic exception. A boy treated with embryonic stem cells for a rare genetic disease developed benign tumors, casting doubt on claims of the therapy's safety and effectiveness.
According to media reports, the boy, now 17, received the ESC stem cells in 2001 at a Moscow hospital and four years later scans showed brain and spinal tumors. Israeli doctors removed the abnormal growth from his spine and their tests show it most probably was caused by the stem cells.
The Moscow doctors should have known better. It is well known that lab animals given embryonic stem cells routinely develop tumors and other malignant growths that eventually kill them. There is a 100 percent mortality rate among lab animals that develop these tumors.
That's why George Bush banned this lethal form of research that Barack Obama, who should have known better, has now legitimized by overturning this life-saving ban.
The reason that major drug companies such as Merck and Pfizer are not funding ESC research is because they have seen the research and it scared the daylights out of them. They realized that if they injected ESC cells into human beings and like lab animals, they show signs of cancers or lesions or tumors there will be huge class action suits, because they would have ignored all of the available data in research that shows that that's exactly what will happen.
The fact of the matter is embryonic stem cells kill. The research shows conclusively that they help rats and mice die and an Israeli boy grow tumors.
Barack Obama rescinded Bush's executive order banning this dangerous research, which has failed everywhere it has been tried, and then went on to eliminate funding for some of the most promising research on the use of pluripotent adult stem cells.
Unfortunately, those opposed to these actions have made the mistake of concentrating on the pro-life aspects of this controversy, while ignoring the scientific aspects, which prove our case conclusively.
We can win this case, by concentrating on the science, which is on our side.
Anyone who is willing to inject embryonic stem cell into their bodies needs to understand that -- like the Israeli boy and the lab animals-- they will grow tumors and lesions.
---
Mike Reagan, the elder son of the late President Ronald Reagan, is heard on radio stations nationally as part of American Family Radio (www.afr.net). Look for Mike's newest book, "Twice Adopted" and other info at www.Reagan.com. E-mail comments to Reagan@caglecartoons.com.
--------------------
Note -- The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, views, and/or philosophy of GOPUSA.
(this is a sample)
In doing this, he created the potential for an outbreak of potentially fatal cancerous tumors caused by the therapeutic use of embryonic stem cells.
Moreover, he killed another Bush presidential order that funded some of the most promising research on the creation of embryonic-like stem cells from harmless but potent adult stem cells.
What President Obama did when he rescinded President Bush's federal ban on certain lines of embryonic stem cell research ultimately could cost American lives.
Obama and his subservient mainstream media allies ignored science in favor of politics, and the results will prove to be disastrous.
What most people are unaware of is that there are three types of stem cell research: there is embryonic stem cell research (ESC), there is induced pluripotent (IPSC) research, and adult stem cell research (ASC).
When Barack Obama rescinded George Bush's ban on federal funding on certain types of embryonic stem cell research he also rescinded Bush's Executive Order 13435 which had provided federal funding for induced pluripotent stem cell research using harmless adult stem cells manipulated into mimicking embryonic stem cells without the risk ESC cells entail.
This is where 72 different diseases are now being remedied or cured.
There are no embryonic stem cells being used anywhere in the world on humans, with one tragic exception. A boy treated with embryonic stem cells for a rare genetic disease developed benign tumors, casting doubt on claims of the therapy's safety and effectiveness.
According to media reports, the boy, now 17, received the ESC stem cells in 2001 at a Moscow hospital and four years later scans showed brain and spinal tumors. Israeli doctors removed the abnormal growth from his spine and their tests show it most probably was caused by the stem cells.
The Moscow doctors should have known better. It is well known that lab animals given embryonic stem cells routinely develop tumors and other malignant growths that eventually kill them. There is a 100 percent mortality rate among lab animals that develop these tumors.
That's why George Bush banned this lethal form of research that Barack Obama, who should have known better, has now legitimized by overturning this life-saving ban.
The reason that major drug companies such as Merck and Pfizer are not funding ESC research is because they have seen the research and it scared the daylights out of them. They realized that if they injected ESC cells into human beings and like lab animals, they show signs of cancers or lesions or tumors there will be huge class action suits, because they would have ignored all of the available data in research that shows that that's exactly what will happen.
The fact of the matter is embryonic stem cells kill. The research shows conclusively that they help rats and mice die and an Israeli boy grow tumors.
Barack Obama rescinded Bush's executive order banning this dangerous research, which has failed everywhere it has been tried, and then went on to eliminate funding for some of the most promising research on the use of pluripotent adult stem cells.
Unfortunately, those opposed to these actions have made the mistake of concentrating on the pro-life aspects of this controversy, while ignoring the scientific aspects, which prove our case conclusively.
We can win this case, by concentrating on the science, which is on our side.
Anyone who is willing to inject embryonic stem cell into their bodies needs to understand that -- like the Israeli boy and the lab animals-- they will grow tumors and lesions.
---
Mike Reagan, the elder son of the late President Ronald Reagan, is heard on radio stations nationally as part of American Family Radio (www.afr.net). Look for Mike's newest book, "Twice Adopted" and other info at www.Reagan.com. E-mail comments to Reagan@caglecartoons.com.
--------------------
Note -- The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, views, and/or philosophy of GOPUSA.
(this is a sample)
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)