Health alert on China's polluted skyscrapers

The Straits Times - 22 Feb 2006

INDEED excessive air pollutants have a great negative impact on the people living in that particular country and some neighbouring countries. I feel that this has been and still is a serious problem that affects health and the environment. The release of carbon monoxide from coal furnaces, cars and factories has caused many deaths. There also been a rise in health problems such as asmtha, breathing problems, eye irritation etc. I feel that as China begins to develop gradually through technological methods to improve living standards, it must not neglect the consequences of such secondary activities. It is still very important that the social condition of the country is put as one of the priorities.

Time to give the casinos a chance

The Straits Times - 14 Feb 2006

I DISAGREE that we should set up casinos in Singapore. I am very against the idea of an IR and some more two of them. There are many social problems such as increase in crime rates, unemployment, family breakdowns etc. Although these resorts are very essential to Singapore to improve the economic stability and gain much more profit, i feel that it is not mandatory. There are surely other methods that will incur revenue for Singapore. Although there has been many preventive measures for such social problems, i believe that civil problems will still happen. The presence of such casinos will affect the upbringing of young children and teens. I was suprised when i initially found out that 2 IRs where being permitted although there was much opposition from churches, community centres, social councils and many more organisations. Singapore that has refrained from setting up casinos like Las Vegas (Sin city) , Macau and other countries has suddenly decided to 'go with the flow'! Although i know that the presence of casinos will attract many tourists and help in the future establishment of Singapore, it is very disappointing to know of such news. I can only hope that there will be more counsellors and psychologists available to aid and stop gambling addictions together with its subsequent pyschological problems.

Let's talk about BAD MANNERS

YOUTHink- ST :Feb 13 2006

I AGREE fully with the writers regarding the attitudes and manners of youngsters nowadays. It has really deteoriated over the years. I believe it could possibly be the result of the advancement of technology and modernization that gives leeway for liberalism. In this manner, parents do not emphasize or exert much force to ingrain in their teenagers the need to respect others. "Magic" words such as 'please', 'may I', 'thank you' are indeed rare to hear amongst these teens. However, there is of course the minority but presence of youths who are polite and considerate. Hence, I feel that although there are rude youths, we must acknowledge the fact that there is still the presence of those who have been well- brought up and very pleasant to his or her peers. Indeed, emotional quotient is necessary for people to communicate effectively to lead a morally upright life.

A cellphone nicked every two hours

Straits Times - The Sunday Times: Feb 12, 2006

I AM shocked to read the news about the alarming increase in phone thefts. I find it impossible to believe that a phone is being snatched or forced from its owner every two hours. However it is still true. I feel that if this issue is not solved as soon as possible, this might be a deterrent for tourists to visit Singapore. It is really upsetting to see such audacity these criminals have just to get fast cash. I feel that nowadays such youngers lack the moral values for righteousness nad having the simple courage to stand up for what is right. In order to get fast cash, these people resort to stealing handphones in order to sell them to second-hand phone dealers. I am gald to see that the government has stepped up by making it mandatory for sellers to leave their phone particulars, date of purchase, name and identification number for reference. In this manner, it then would be easier for police to check during investigations. In order to improve more of such social problems, more campaigns should be held in schools and public areas to emphasize the importance of honesty and integrity. Similar to what i am saying, campaigns such as discouraging the piracy of original CDs, VCDs, DVDs and music have been held. This makes the public aware that what they have been doing is wrong. This also is like a form of warning before the police catch any of these illegal selling, purchasing or usuage. At least these teens will not have a good excuse to give for owning such goods.

More parents hiring PIs to spy on teens

The Straits Times, 6 Feb

I AM appalled upon hearing that there has been a great increase in hiring PIs! Parents who seek PIs to investigate their children instead of having a heart to heart talk with them shows that they are insincere. Possibly it is because some of these parents are so busy working and often coming home so late that lose communication with their growing teens. Instead of spending more time to understand what they are going through, the parents 'hong' , pacify the teens with high allowance money. I feel that this is giving rise to social problems in Singapore. Although there has been cases where parents are successful in pulling their children back on the right path, it might make the children rebel even more because they feel angry and distrustful of their parents. There could have been a breach of trust between the parents and child. It feels unjustifying that there is no freedom and privacy where ever they go.

I agree that it helps to monitor the children's movements and behaviours especialy if the teen has mixed with the wrong company and clique. However, i personally would not hire a PI to spy on my teen if i feel there is something fishy with my teen. Instead i most likely would approach cousellors or books to read on how to handle my teen and learn to understand what he or she is going through. I feel that sincere care, love and attention showered on the teen can move mountains!

She's 15, he's 30 - should they be dating?

The Straits Times, 5 Feb

I AM against couples who date when their age difference is so big. Although in past generations it is very normal to see married couples who differ at least 10 years in age, it seems unnatural in such an up-to-date society. Girls feel more secure, protected and encouraged when they date men older then themselves. They feel cared for, loved and pampered by these boyfriends. Young teenage girls feel proud that they have an older boyfriend who works because he will be able to afford to bring her to expensive restaurants and give them gifts such as diamonds and jewellery. However i feel that these female youth fail to realize that they are only in search for a father figure. If you are deprived of fatherly love, when you come from a broken family, you tend to look for older men who can satisfy your wants.

I believe it is impossible that the relationship will turn out well and last long. The reasons being, although you feel comfortable with your older boyfriend because he sees the potential in you and motivates you, he not necessary will always remain loyal to you. Although he knows you well enough because he's older, you not necessarily will understand what he is going through all the time because you are younger.

I agree that girls mature faster than boys but boys will eventually mature when they grow older, especially after finishing their national service. I feel that it would be best that relationships be established only when you and your boyfriend are grown up and mature, hence understanding each other so much better.

Older men know how to keep secrets from you. Some may have a wife at home and you will never know. In addition, younger men will beat around the bush and court you, but the older men are usually very straightforward and will ask for sex. I feel that there is no rush to getting into a boy-girl relationship. Eventually when you grow older and more mature, your Mr. Perfect will just come your way!

Singapore family robbed at petrol station in JB

The Straits Times, 3 Feb 2005

I FEEL sorry for those victims who suffered bruises as a result of being robbed. I feel that it is rather unsafe visiting Malaysia, particularly Johor Bahru. Since at least 4 years ago i have heard of frequent repeated cases of robberies in Malaysia's highways. If not cases of wallet and handbag robberies, there would be life threatening experiences Singaporeans meet when they visit Malaysia. With the chinese new year festival here, it is inevitable that these robbers seek prey upon Singaporean cars in desperation for cash. I feel that the only way to prevent such repetitive robberies from occuring, is to visit Malaysia less frequently. The demand of cheap goods and cheap petrol in JB definitely attracts many Singaporeans to travel a day to and back Malaysia. However, what other way can we do to stop being victims when we visit Malaysia?

Cloning (TIME)

28 November 2005

One of the most amazing inventions - Cloning

IN the year of 2005, South Korean scientists have finally succeeded in cloning a dog from an Afghan ear cell after two years of trial and error. As technology advances, many sheep, mice, goats, mules, rats, monkeys, cows and pigs have been cloned all over the world. I feel proud that globally, countries have improved tremendously in technology, increasing living standards and quality of living. However i am very against the cloning of living creatures, especially humans. Cloning is different from natural fertilization, it is accomplished by a technique called "somatic cell nuclear transfer." One takes the nucleus from a body (somatic) cell and transfers it into a female egg which has had its nuclear material removed. Then with an electric current or chemical stimulus the cloned embryo begins to divide as does a fertilized embryo.

In my opinion, i feel that the action of cloning is going against the principles of nature and is challenging creation. Cloning is like another form of duplicating multiple similar forms. It is unnatural and gives rise to negative consequences. There is the potential for mutation, transmission of mitochondrial diseases, and the negative effects from the aging genetic material. I feel that cloning is a form of defiance towards the creator of the created living. Why can't we just accept and leave things as they are instead of trying to create your own? I would like to picture myself as a potter and creating my individual unique clay. If someone were to copy me by duplicating my precious self-made clay without my allowance, not only would i feel hurt, i would feel indignant.