Grannies clicking with the Net
Fri, Aug 17, 2007The Straits Times
TOKYO - 'My husband isn't home tonight. Would you like to...' reads the suggestive e-mail on the computer screen. Obviously, the sender has no idea that the recipient is 78-year-old grandmother Kikue Kamata.
'What does she want me to do?' she says, amused. 'I know I shouldn't open spam but sometimes I do because it's fun.'
A high-tech granny used to be considered an oxymoron. But in Japan, with its love of technology and a declining birth rate, a growing number of the elderly are learning to surf the Internet, finding it to be a crucial lifeline.
'I turn on my computer first thing in the morning. It's a pleasure to see the e-mail that came overnight,' says Kamata's friend, Roko Shinohara.
The two women are members of the Computer Grannies Society, launched in 1997 to nurture a new breed of Net-savvy elderly.
The group, which accepts men as well, now has 200 members, mostly in their 70s, across the nation. The oldest member is a 97-year-old woman who lives alone in the western city of Kyoto.
The members exchange messages and photos, and show each other their creative work - paintings, novels, poems and music. They organise off-line gatherings such as tours of big electronics stores. They also shop online.
'Bookstores are becoming bigger these days and it's hard to find a book I want. It's quite easy online,' Kamata says.
The group set up a temporary Internet cafe to offer computer lessons to fellow senior citizens last month in Sugamo, a part of Tokyo known for its large elderly population.
The event, held in cooperation with chipmaker Intel, drew more than 400 visitors over four days.
Hisao Megumi, 84, was one of a handful of men who came to learn. 'I'm a novice. It's a little bit late to start but I want to get accustomed to personal computers,' the former editor says as he patiently waits in a queue for a lesson.
The place was equipped with touch-panel computers newly developed by Intel and other companies for the elderly, enabling beginners to operate the machine with one finger.
The absence of keyboards is a great relief for Japanese seniors who grew up in a culture that values handwriting rather than typing.
The packed one-room cafe reminds Kayako Okawa, 77, who founded the group, of how things have changed over the past decade.
'Computers for old women? No way!' was the initial reaction she encountered when she was trying to launch the group.
'No company wanted to lend me computers,' she recalls. But she proudly declares: 'The elderly are not the socially weak.'
Armed with expertise and technology, they are, in fact, finding new frontiers in their lives.
'Washing machines and dishwashers give us convenience. There is no match for computers. We are now connected to the world,' Okawa says.
Electronics companies are well aware that seniors are important customers, and have launched a range of senior-friendly products, such as the RaKuRaKu Phone mobile series by NTT DoCoMo.
The basic model of the line - whose name is a colloquial phrase for 'easy' - tells the user the name of the person sending a call or e-mail.
It also features the 'Slow Voice' function which enables the user to press a button and slow the pace of the caller's speech for better understanding.
According to communications ministry data, Internet use among seniors is surging, with nearly half of Japanese in their late 60s now surfing online.
The number of people between the ages of 70 and 79 who use the Internet jumped from 15.4 per cent to 32.3 per cent over two years until the end of last year.
The ratio rose from 6.9 per cent to 16 per cent for those aged 80 or above.
The number of new young Internet users is nearly flat in Japan, which has a declining population and where more than 90 per cent of people under 40 surf online.
Reiko Chiba, who teaches seniors how to use computers, says she has come across unexpected reactions from her students.
'A man once tried to lift the computer screen when I told him to click up higher. Another time, I told a man that his trash bin was full, prompting him to ask: 'How are you able to see my home from here?'' she says.
But fewer and fewer people have been asking offbeat questions.
'It started decreasing a few years ago. I think it's because many elderly people already have experience with cellphones and digital cameras before they advance into computers,' she says.
Chances are high that elderly Japanese women are widows, given that they live an average 85.81 years - longer than anyone else in the world.
'Many of us are left alone. As more and more of us live alone, computers are our lifeline connecting each one of us to friends,' Okawa says.
The hardest thing for her is to drop members who have died from her mailing list.
'I know it's impossible to get anything from her once she has passed away. But I can't help thinking to myself, 'Just maybe ...',' she says.
She has enclosed 'sayonara' e-mail from society members in other members' coffins, and been contacted by the children of members who have died.
They had no idea that their mothers knew how to use a computer and were surprised to find e-mail and photos when sorting through personal belongings.
'Children may regret they didn't care about their mothers much, giving the excuse that they were busy with work and the chores of everyday life. But we mothers are living our own lives,' she says.
A comforted son once sent an e-mail to Okawa that read: 'I realized my mother had these joyful, bright days in her last years of life. I'm glad to know that.'
Review: It is good the older generation learns to use modern technology. To close up the gap between the younger generation and the older generation, the older generation has to adapt to the rapid advance in technology. Usually the older generation finds it hard to learn to use modern technology thus the gap continues to widen. To shape and bend a tree, it has to be done when the tree is young and supple. To attempt to bend the branch of an old tree will probably result in breaking it. So it is with man. A young child’s values, attitude and abilities can be shaped and bent under favorable conditions. To make an old man change his values and attitudes is an almost impossible task. His mind is too set and rigid with age and not receptive to new things. He would probably break if we try too hard to change him.
It is good that there is such a community called Computer Grannies Society in Japan. Equip with modern technology, sending message to love ones far away is convenient, elderly are no longer lonely, the elderly learn more by exposure to the modern age in the internet and many more benefits elderly can gain from the usage of modern technology. Singapore is also an ageing population, it is also essential to educate older citizen to use modern technology like hand phone. Whenever they have trouble they can call for help. With the dependence on modern technology, older citizens are of fewer burdens to the society.
An example would be my grandmother. She is in her 80s. My grandmother started to use the hand phone 2 years ago. I taught her how to use the phone like storing contacts, change the settings etc. I repeatedly taught her how to use but she just cannot remember. The only thing she knows is to use it to call. Learning to use the computer is far fetch. She would rather watch television than torture herself learning to use the computer. I think it would be good to learn to use the computer. She would be able to contact her sons out of Singapore. The older people can only stand back and stare in astonishment and incomprehension. The young are like empty cups taking in as much information as the outside world can give them. The old are like full cups that cannot take in anymore.
The young have a duty to teach the older generation to use modern technology. So that the older generation would not be lonely and feel ‘ostracized’ in this world. In this way the older generation will be able to know what is going on in this world.
In conclusion, I think that modern technology have really helped the older generations to survive longer and as well as providing them with convenience and entertainment.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Nuclear energy a must-have: Indian PM
Tue, Aug 21, 2007The Straits Times
NEW DELHI - INDIA is committed to developing its nuclear energy capability and other sources of power because its oil bill will impose an 'unbearable burden' as growth continues, its Prime Minister said yesterday.
Dr Manmohan Singh's comments came as his government faces its worst crisis since coming to power in 2004, with communist allies angered by a nuclear energy deal with the United States and threatening to withdraw their support.
'As we grow, our growing...bill for imported crude oil will put an unbearable burden on our economy,' Dr Singh said at an inauguration ceremony for an energy research institute dedicated to the memory of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.
'We need to develop all energy resources, mainly coal, gas, oil, hydro and nuclear, along with renewable, such as wind and solar,' he said.
'From a long-term perspective, nuclear energy and solar energy can play an important role in addressing our energy security needs. Our government is committed to the development of nuclear energy.'
India imports 70 per cent of its oil needs, and rising global crude prices pose policy challenges for
Asia's third-largest economy, which has grown at an average rate of 8.6 per cent in the past four years.
That expansion has been accompanied by a rapid rise in demand for energy.
A bloc of four communist parties has 60 lawmakers in India's Lower House of Parliament, and while the parties are not a part of the ruling coalition, they shore it up from outside.
They have warned of 'serious consequences' for the government if it presses forward with the nuclear deal, which still needs to be approved by the US Congress as well as international bodies.
The communists say the nuclear accord with the US impedes India's sovereign foreign policy and lacks majority support in the House.
Dr Singh said it was important to create awareness about the economics of energy.
'Each time our utilities have to raise rates and our oil companies have to raise prices, extraneous considerations come in,' he said.
'I urge all political parties to appreciate the vital interest of pursuing a sound energy security strategy. India is on the move and we must be able to address its growing energy demand.'
The communist parties and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, usually bitter rivals, want a review of the accord, which will help end India's three decades of nuclear isolation and give power plants in the energy-starved country access to US technology and equipment.
The agreement would allow India to purchase reactors from Areva, General Electric Co and other producers to help plug an electricity shortfall that shaves two percentage points off annual economic growth.
India may review retail fuel prices after the monsoon session of Parliament ends in mid-September if global prices remain high, oil ministry officials say.
Review: I agree that in such a rapid developing country, it needs more energy. At the present oil or fossil fuel is the most important source of energy. It is used in various forms for motor vehicles, to generate electricity and to run a host of other man-made machines. Without oil, meaning energy, India economy growth would be affected.
Oil despite its versatility, pollutes the environment no matter how careful we handle it. Also oil is found no matter how careful we handle. Also oil is found in certain areas around the globe. Thus it is often used as a political weapon by oil-producers to make India submit to their demands. Finally oil is a non-renewable source of energy. It will run out eventually. 'From a long-term perspective, nuclear energy and solar energy can play an important role in addressing our energy security needs. ‘It is important that India have its own supply of energy.
Other sources of energy are solar energy, hydro-electric and nuclear energy.
Solar energy seems to be a possible alternative. At present, much research is being carried out to find more efficient ways of harnessing the sun’s energy. Some of us may even have solar heaters installed in our homes. These devices cut down the need of electricity to heat water. Also they do not pollute the environment. Solar panel may be produced to serve the needs on entire communities.
Hydro-electric plants are not as attractive as they appeared to be before. The main drawback to this form of energy production is that a hydro-electric plat needs a dam. Natural dams are few and far in between. Man-made dams alter the eco-system so much that is better that they are not constructed. Our environment is more precious than a few megawatts of electricity.
The main concern is nuclear energy. Nuclear energy produces too much toxic wastes that the plants do not really know how to get rid of. Dumping them in the sea or wastes remains toxic for centuries. Also the meltdowns that occurred at Chernobyl and Three-mile Island indicate how dangerous nuclear plants can be. In 1979, the cooling system failed at the Three Mile Island nuclear reactor near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Radiation leaked, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee. The problem was solved minutes before a total meltdown would have occurred. Fortunately, there were no deaths. In 1986, a much worse disaster struck Russia's Chernobyl nuclear power plant. In this incident, a large amount of radiation escaped from the reactor. Hundreds of thousands of people were exposed to the radiation. Several dozen died within a few days. In the years to come, thousands more may die of cancers induced by the radiation.
There is talk of nuclear fusion where virtually no waste is produced. Such things have to be handled with extreme care for we do not know the consequences. Just a few decades ago, the world extolled the use of nuclear reactors that we dread now.
India may create nuclear bomb in future which would be a threat to other countries. In August 6, 1945: The United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, killing over 100,000. And in August 9, 1945: The United States dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan, killing over 40,000. Countries are worried that this may happen. We do not know whether India would develop nuclear weapons of mass destruction. If India has other countries would also want. This will cause political problems.
I think building a nuclear reactor is the only solution to India hunger for energy. Nuclear energy is inexpensive, energy generation is the most concentrated source, waste is more compact than any source, extensive scientific basis for the cycle, easy to transport as new fuel, no greenhouse or acid rain effects. Overall it is the best source of energy. If it is use for the greater good it would be essential but if it falls on the wrong hands it would be destructive.
Tue, Aug 21, 2007The Straits Times
NEW DELHI - INDIA is committed to developing its nuclear energy capability and other sources of power because its oil bill will impose an 'unbearable burden' as growth continues, its Prime Minister said yesterday.
Dr Manmohan Singh's comments came as his government faces its worst crisis since coming to power in 2004, with communist allies angered by a nuclear energy deal with the United States and threatening to withdraw their support.
'As we grow, our growing...bill for imported crude oil will put an unbearable burden on our economy,' Dr Singh said at an inauguration ceremony for an energy research institute dedicated to the memory of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.
'We need to develop all energy resources, mainly coal, gas, oil, hydro and nuclear, along with renewable, such as wind and solar,' he said.
'From a long-term perspective, nuclear energy and solar energy can play an important role in addressing our energy security needs. Our government is committed to the development of nuclear energy.'
India imports 70 per cent of its oil needs, and rising global crude prices pose policy challenges for
Asia's third-largest economy, which has grown at an average rate of 8.6 per cent in the past four years.
That expansion has been accompanied by a rapid rise in demand for energy.
A bloc of four communist parties has 60 lawmakers in India's Lower House of Parliament, and while the parties are not a part of the ruling coalition, they shore it up from outside.
They have warned of 'serious consequences' for the government if it presses forward with the nuclear deal, which still needs to be approved by the US Congress as well as international bodies.
The communists say the nuclear accord with the US impedes India's sovereign foreign policy and lacks majority support in the House.
Dr Singh said it was important to create awareness about the economics of energy.
'Each time our utilities have to raise rates and our oil companies have to raise prices, extraneous considerations come in,' he said.
'I urge all political parties to appreciate the vital interest of pursuing a sound energy security strategy. India is on the move and we must be able to address its growing energy demand.'
The communist parties and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, usually bitter rivals, want a review of the accord, which will help end India's three decades of nuclear isolation and give power plants in the energy-starved country access to US technology and equipment.
The agreement would allow India to purchase reactors from Areva, General Electric Co and other producers to help plug an electricity shortfall that shaves two percentage points off annual economic growth.
India may review retail fuel prices after the monsoon session of Parliament ends in mid-September if global prices remain high, oil ministry officials say.
Review: I agree that in such a rapid developing country, it needs more energy. At the present oil or fossil fuel is the most important source of energy. It is used in various forms for motor vehicles, to generate electricity and to run a host of other man-made machines. Without oil, meaning energy, India economy growth would be affected.
Oil despite its versatility, pollutes the environment no matter how careful we handle it. Also oil is found no matter how careful we handle. Also oil is found in certain areas around the globe. Thus it is often used as a political weapon by oil-producers to make India submit to their demands. Finally oil is a non-renewable source of energy. It will run out eventually. 'From a long-term perspective, nuclear energy and solar energy can play an important role in addressing our energy security needs. ‘It is important that India have its own supply of energy.
Other sources of energy are solar energy, hydro-electric and nuclear energy.
Solar energy seems to be a possible alternative. At present, much research is being carried out to find more efficient ways of harnessing the sun’s energy. Some of us may even have solar heaters installed in our homes. These devices cut down the need of electricity to heat water. Also they do not pollute the environment. Solar panel may be produced to serve the needs on entire communities.
Hydro-electric plants are not as attractive as they appeared to be before. The main drawback to this form of energy production is that a hydro-electric plat needs a dam. Natural dams are few and far in between. Man-made dams alter the eco-system so much that is better that they are not constructed. Our environment is more precious than a few megawatts of electricity.
The main concern is nuclear energy. Nuclear energy produces too much toxic wastes that the plants do not really know how to get rid of. Dumping them in the sea or wastes remains toxic for centuries. Also the meltdowns that occurred at Chernobyl and Three-mile Island indicate how dangerous nuclear plants can be. In 1979, the cooling system failed at the Three Mile Island nuclear reactor near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Radiation leaked, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee. The problem was solved minutes before a total meltdown would have occurred. Fortunately, there were no deaths. In 1986, a much worse disaster struck Russia's Chernobyl nuclear power plant. In this incident, a large amount of radiation escaped from the reactor. Hundreds of thousands of people were exposed to the radiation. Several dozen died within a few days. In the years to come, thousands more may die of cancers induced by the radiation.
There is talk of nuclear fusion where virtually no waste is produced. Such things have to be handled with extreme care for we do not know the consequences. Just a few decades ago, the world extolled the use of nuclear reactors that we dread now.
India may create nuclear bomb in future which would be a threat to other countries. In August 6, 1945: The United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, killing over 100,000. And in August 9, 1945: The United States dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan, killing over 40,000. Countries are worried that this may happen. We do not know whether India would develop nuclear weapons of mass destruction. If India has other countries would also want. This will cause political problems.
I think building a nuclear reactor is the only solution to India hunger for energy. Nuclear energy is inexpensive, energy generation is the most concentrated source, waste is more compact than any source, extensive scientific basis for the cycle, easy to transport as new fuel, no greenhouse or acid rain effects. Overall it is the best source of energy. If it is use for the greater good it would be essential but if it falls on the wrong hands it would be destructive.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Education-Behaviour lessons for teenagers
Behaviour lessons for teenagers Monday, 30 April 2007, 10:23 GMT 11:23 UK
Secondary schools are to teach lessons in "emotional intelligence" - in an attempt to improve classroom behaviour. 
From the autumn, the "social and emotional aspects of learning" (Seal) project will be available to secondary schools in England.
It teaches skills such as resolving conflicts, managing anger, respecting others and playing fairly.
The Department for Education and Skills says pilot schemes have had very positive results in primary schools.
A DFES spokesperson said that support would be available for secondary schools wanting to use this approach to improving how children behave.
Confrontation
Teachers' union conferences at Easter heard a series of warnings about the levels of violence and abuse faced by teachers from badly-behaved pupils.
And this "Seal" project is designed to teach pupils about the need to show respect to others and to give them the skills to avoid aggression and confrontation.
The DFES says that primary schools have reported a decrease in problems such as bullying and fighting where the emotional intelligence lessons have been taught.
The type of subject areas covered would include developing empathy - such as showing how someone else might feel or another point of view; managing strong feelings such as anger and recognising the rights of others.
Among the primary schools to have taken part in a pilot was Vicarage Park in Kendal, Cumbria - with the head teacher Anne Hallam saying that the scheme had a "significant impact" on helping boys to articulate their emotions.
And more contented pupils are more likely "to be able to focus on their learning," she says.
Pelham Primary School in Wimbledon also introduced the emotional intelligence lessons and reported that it helped to defuse the everyday arguments that could otherwise escalate.
"What we're doing in class seems to spill out into the playground. Problems continue to happen, but now the kids are more articulate and better at seeing things from the other person's point of view," said teacher Justine Green.
RESPOND:
I agree that education must cover the topic of behaviour. Education is a means of making a person a better person. True education is that which draws out and stimulates the spiritual, intellectual, physical and moral faculties of children. In some countries moral values are forgotten. As young children grow older their behaviour must improved. Our behaviour is shaped by our environment. There are many root cause to bad behaviour. These are some examples-family conflict, academic failure in school, friends with delinquent behaviour, or other problem behaviours, peer rejection, family history with behaviour problem, favourable parental attitudes to problem behaviour, witnessing family violence. Family instability, including economic stress, parental mental illness, harshly punitive behaviours, inconsistent parenting practices, multiple moves, and divorce may also contribute to the development of oppositional and defiant behaviours. All these factors affect the emotion and the behaviour of a person. So it is important to educate children when they are young. Self-discipline plays an important part of good behaviour. Majority of people are incapable of self-discipline. They, therefore, have to be discipline by an outside authority. This is true of children and adolescent who are in their formative years. This is the reason why parents and school and college authorities enforce discipline on the youth who, though they get irritated at discipline, appreciate the value of it in their later years. Without lessons in discipline learned in one’s formative years, one will not in later years have the self-disciple so necessary for any significant achievement.
· The education on emotions is able to counter bad behaviour (the article shows that the young children are able to control their behaviour better). The children are able to articulate their emotions. Bad behaviour would arise if the emotions are not expressed, their troubles are not solved, and they would resort to their own actions of solving their troubles. Listening and valuing adolescent ideas is what promotes the ability of teachers to effectively communicate with them. Emotional intelligence lesson consists of talking about morals and ethical behaviours. Passing along a strong sense of values is one of the fundamental tasks of being a teacher. Teacher need to talk to their student about what is right and wrong and about appropriate and inappropriate behaviours. It would be better and easier for parents to educate on this issue as they are closer to their children, more familiar with their behaviours, spend more time with them and thus able to counter bad behaviour more efficiently. How then can we solve the problem of bad behaviour in a family? We can have:
Family and individual guidance and counselling to find out underlying issues and learn strategies for behaviour change.
Parenting support groups to help guide and empower parents.
Parenting classes to help learn ways of providing consistency, structure, and a positive, less stressful home environment.
A strong and positive working relationship between parents and teachers.
In conclusion, it is important to nip the problem in the bud by educating young children on good behaviour when they are young in school or at home. And solve the problem at its root by evaluating children behaviour, teach and advice what they should do in school and at home. All these would help to curb teenage violence.
From the autumn, the "social and emotional aspects of learning" (Seal) project will be available to secondary schools in England.
It teaches skills such as resolving conflicts, managing anger, respecting others and playing fairly.
The Department for Education and Skills says pilot schemes have had very positive results in primary schools.
A DFES spokesperson said that support would be available for secondary schools wanting to use this approach to improving how children behave.
Confrontation
Teachers' union conferences at Easter heard a series of warnings about the levels of violence and abuse faced by teachers from badly-behaved pupils.
And this "Seal" project is designed to teach pupils about the need to show respect to others and to give them the skills to avoid aggression and confrontation.
The DFES says that primary schools have reported a decrease in problems such as bullying and fighting where the emotional intelligence lessons have been taught.
The type of subject areas covered would include developing empathy - such as showing how someone else might feel or another point of view; managing strong feelings such as anger and recognising the rights of others.
Among the primary schools to have taken part in a pilot was Vicarage Park in Kendal, Cumbria - with the head teacher Anne Hallam saying that the scheme had a "significant impact" on helping boys to articulate their emotions.
And more contented pupils are more likely "to be able to focus on their learning," she says.
Pelham Primary School in Wimbledon also introduced the emotional intelligence lessons and reported that it helped to defuse the everyday arguments that could otherwise escalate.
"What we're doing in class seems to spill out into the playground. Problems continue to happen, but now the kids are more articulate and better at seeing things from the other person's point of view," said teacher Justine Green.
RESPOND:
I agree that education must cover the topic of behaviour. Education is a means of making a person a better person. True education is that which draws out and stimulates the spiritual, intellectual, physical and moral faculties of children. In some countries moral values are forgotten. As young children grow older their behaviour must improved. Our behaviour is shaped by our environment. There are many root cause to bad behaviour. These are some examples-family conflict, academic failure in school, friends with delinquent behaviour, or other problem behaviours, peer rejection, family history with behaviour problem, favourable parental attitudes to problem behaviour, witnessing family violence. Family instability, including economic stress, parental mental illness, harshly punitive behaviours, inconsistent parenting practices, multiple moves, and divorce may also contribute to the development of oppositional and defiant behaviours. All these factors affect the emotion and the behaviour of a person. So it is important to educate children when they are young. Self-discipline plays an important part of good behaviour. Majority of people are incapable of self-discipline. They, therefore, have to be discipline by an outside authority. This is true of children and adolescent who are in their formative years. This is the reason why parents and school and college authorities enforce discipline on the youth who, though they get irritated at discipline, appreciate the value of it in their later years. Without lessons in discipline learned in one’s formative years, one will not in later years have the self-disciple so necessary for any significant achievement.
· The education on emotions is able to counter bad behaviour (the article shows that the young children are able to control their behaviour better). The children are able to articulate their emotions. Bad behaviour would arise if the emotions are not expressed, their troubles are not solved, and they would resort to their own actions of solving their troubles. Listening and valuing adolescent ideas is what promotes the ability of teachers to effectively communicate with them. Emotional intelligence lesson consists of talking about morals and ethical behaviours. Passing along a strong sense of values is one of the fundamental tasks of being a teacher. Teacher need to talk to their student about what is right and wrong and about appropriate and inappropriate behaviours. It would be better and easier for parents to educate on this issue as they are closer to their children, more familiar with their behaviours, spend more time with them and thus able to counter bad behaviour more efficiently. How then can we solve the problem of bad behaviour in a family? We can have:
Family and individual guidance and counselling to find out underlying issues and learn strategies for behaviour change.
Parenting support groups to help guide and empower parents.
Parenting classes to help learn ways of providing consistency, structure, and a positive, less stressful home environment.
A strong and positive working relationship between parents and teachers.
In conclusion, it is important to nip the problem in the bud by educating young children on good behaviour when they are young in school or at home. And solve the problem at its root by evaluating children behaviour, teach and advice what they should do in school and at home. All these would help to curb teenage violence.
Teenage-Police crackdown on teen drinking
Last Updated: Sunday, 15 April 2007, 12:07 GMT 13:07 UK http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/derbyshire/6557407.stm
Police crackdown on teen drinking
Adults have been warned not to buy alcohol for underage drinkers by police in a Derbyshire town.
Pc Mark Stokoe said that youths were hanging around shops in Heanor asking passers-by to buy alcohol for them in return for money.
He said it had become an increasing problem in the town and was fuelling anti-social behaviour.
Patrols have been stepped up in the area and officers are also offering advice to shopkeepers.
Pc Stokoe, said: "Buying alcohol to give to any underage person is not only illegal but can lead to young people getting drunk, aggressive and subsequently causing anti-social behaviour in the area.
"It is a very serious case if an adult does purchase alcohol for anyone underage and those individuals face being issued with a minimum of an £80 fixed penalty notice."
RESPOND:
I agree that police crackdown on teen drinking is very important. We do not want our society to have anti-social behaviour of teenagers because they threaten the safety of residents. Drinking to much alcohol will result in alcohol poisoning, which can lead to coma or even death. Alcohol is a drug. Drinking alcohol alter mood, affecting your brain, your body and your self-control. Why then do teenagers want to drink alcohol which they know are harmful to them? These teenagers face many problems in life and want to “take” away and forget the troubles they face by drinking alcohol. Adding to that friends introduce alcohol to them, tempting them that drinking alcohol is cool. Not wanting to let down their friend they drink. Do you know that alcohol is a depressant? It is a drug that slows down or depresses the brain. The person may feel relax and happy at the start but later he would feel loss of coordination, poor judgment, slowed reflexes, distorted vision, memory lapses and impairs your judgment. This is when many crimes are committed. These drunken teenagers would be violent, going around creating troubles, injuring passer-by, damaging properties and drink driving. People around them have an increased risk of being seriously injured, involved in car crashes, or affected by violence. Because alcohol can cause such problems, the citizens and government leaders in this country have decided that kids should not be allowed to buy or use alcohol. By setting the drinking age at 21, they hope older people will be able to make good decisions about alcohol.
Shop keepers do have a part to play in ensuring that those over legal limit are strictly not allowed. Teenagers may bribe shopkeeper to sell them alcohol. If the shop keepers love the society he should forbid selling to those underage. To prevent adults from buying alcohol for teenagers they should keep a look out and inform the police if there is a need.
Drink driving is one of the major causes of death related to road accidents. Alcohol seriously impairs a driver's judgement, coordination and reactions. Alcohol also tends to make you feel over-confident and more likely to take risks when driving, which increases the danger to all road users, including yourself.
Before we tackle the problem of alcoholism, I shall explain alcoholism in people. Alcoholism is inveterate (continues over time). It often gets worse because the person may start experiencing health problems related to drinking.
An alcoholic is someone whose mind and body crave alcohol. The person has little control over drinking and can not stop without help. A person who starts drinking alcohol at a young age is more likely to become an alcoholic. The body develops a physical craving for alcohol often more powerful than the hunger to eat. The mind obsessively thinks about drinking and ways to get a drink and control drinking. Alcoholism destroys relationships .Thus it is important to stop teenagers form drinking.
It is better to be safe then cure. These are my advice. Just say no. It can be tempting to try alcohol. Do not drink because of pressure from friends.
You feel unpopular because of your decision. True friends will still be your good friends if you do not drink. If you feel this kind of pressure, talk to someone you trust.
If you are concerned about a friend who is drinking, you should inform their parents, a school counsellor, a trusted adult or even call the police. That way, someone can stop your friend before the alcohol causes a big problem.
With help all around, anyone who has a problem with alcohol can be stop.
Police crackdown on teen drinking
Adults have been warned not to buy alcohol for underage drinkers by police in a Derbyshire town.
Pc Mark Stokoe said that youths were hanging around shops in Heanor asking passers-by to buy alcohol for them in return for money.
He said it had become an increasing problem in the town and was fuelling anti-social behaviour.
Patrols have been stepped up in the area and officers are also offering advice to shopkeepers.
Pc Stokoe, said: "Buying alcohol to give to any underage person is not only illegal but can lead to young people getting drunk, aggressive and subsequently causing anti-social behaviour in the area.
"It is a very serious case if an adult does purchase alcohol for anyone underage and those individuals face being issued with a minimum of an £80 fixed penalty notice."
RESPOND:
I agree that police crackdown on teen drinking is very important. We do not want our society to have anti-social behaviour of teenagers because they threaten the safety of residents. Drinking to much alcohol will result in alcohol poisoning, which can lead to coma or even death. Alcohol is a drug. Drinking alcohol alter mood, affecting your brain, your body and your self-control. Why then do teenagers want to drink alcohol which they know are harmful to them? These teenagers face many problems in life and want to “take” away and forget the troubles they face by drinking alcohol. Adding to that friends introduce alcohol to them, tempting them that drinking alcohol is cool. Not wanting to let down their friend they drink. Do you know that alcohol is a depressant? It is a drug that slows down or depresses the brain. The person may feel relax and happy at the start but later he would feel loss of coordination, poor judgment, slowed reflexes, distorted vision, memory lapses and impairs your judgment. This is when many crimes are committed. These drunken teenagers would be violent, going around creating troubles, injuring passer-by, damaging properties and drink driving. People around them have an increased risk of being seriously injured, involved in car crashes, or affected by violence. Because alcohol can cause such problems, the citizens and government leaders in this country have decided that kids should not be allowed to buy or use alcohol. By setting the drinking age at 21, they hope older people will be able to make good decisions about alcohol.
Shop keepers do have a part to play in ensuring that those over legal limit are strictly not allowed. Teenagers may bribe shopkeeper to sell them alcohol. If the shop keepers love the society he should forbid selling to those underage. To prevent adults from buying alcohol for teenagers they should keep a look out and inform the police if there is a need.
Drink driving is one of the major causes of death related to road accidents. Alcohol seriously impairs a driver's judgement, coordination and reactions. Alcohol also tends to make you feel over-confident and more likely to take risks when driving, which increases the danger to all road users, including yourself.
Before we tackle the problem of alcoholism, I shall explain alcoholism in people. Alcoholism is inveterate (continues over time). It often gets worse because the person may start experiencing health problems related to drinking.
An alcoholic is someone whose mind and body crave alcohol. The person has little control over drinking and can not stop without help. A person who starts drinking alcohol at a young age is more likely to become an alcoholic. The body develops a physical craving for alcohol often more powerful than the hunger to eat. The mind obsessively thinks about drinking and ways to get a drink and control drinking. Alcoholism destroys relationships .Thus it is important to stop teenagers form drinking.
It is better to be safe then cure. These are my advice. Just say no. It can be tempting to try alcohol. Do not drink because of pressure from friends.
You feel unpopular because of your decision. True friends will still be your good friends if you do not drink. If you feel this kind of pressure, talk to someone you trust.
If you are concerned about a friend who is drinking, you should inform their parents, a school counsellor, a trusted adult or even call the police. That way, someone can stop your friend before the alcohol causes a big problem.
With help all around, anyone who has a problem with alcohol can be stop.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Societal issues- Competition in the modern world
Roaring business faces stiff competition
By Irwin YeoThe Straits TimesPublication Date: 19-02-2007
A DYING BREED: Lion head maker Ng Hong Kiang says his main competition is cheaper, mass-produced heads from China.
The heady smell of glue and paint fills Ng Hong Kiang's four-room Housing Board flat in Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10. Strips of dried bamboo, balls of fur and metres of wire jostle for space with tins of adhesive and various blades and pliers on the floor in a corner just outside the master bedroom.
The 48-year old sports dark rings under his eyes. He has been up past midnight almost every night for the last two weeks, working.
Ng is a full-time lion-head maker, one of only two in Singapore.
"Chinese New Year is the busiest time of the year for me. Many troupes require new lion heads when they go out to perform. Since the start of the year, I have made 13 lion heads," said the father of three.
Married to a 44-year old operations executive, he picked up the craft during his army days when he was a member of the United Association lion dance troupe.
He became a full-time lion-head maker when he had his first child in 1995, two years after his marriage.
He had been working as a machinist in a multinational aerospace company, but resigned when he was not allowed to take leave to look after his wife and baby.
He turned to his talent, and started making lion heads for a living.
He likes the flexible hours, and feels a sense of pride when he sees his lions performing in public.
Satisfying his customers is something else.
"They expect a lot from me. The colour must be striking and the design must be unique so I must deliver products of good quality," he said.
It is a painstaking work, trimming bamboo with a sharp blade, assembling the head, and decorating it.
On average, he makes between five and six lion heads a month and charges about $1,250 (US$816) for each one.
It is a tough business, he said, and his biggest threat is competition from China-made lion heads which can be had for as little as $300 (US$196).
Ng said he is fortunate to be able to count on the more established troupes to give him business.
"They still buy from me because they know I will not compromise on quality. The imported lion heads have shoddy workmanship, they are mass produced and lack quality," he said.
He has another edge: He takes requests for custom-made heads. The most unusual request came from the Singapore Management University, which wanted a Merlion head for the opening of its Bras Basah campus.
Despite his talent and passion, he does not want his two sons and daughter to follow in his trade.
"I do not really see the prospects," he said.
As lion dance troupes get more commercialized and the industry more competitive, most will buy cheaper lion heads from China, he thinks.
For now, he has the perfect job and it allows him time to take care of the children while his wife is at work.
He added with a smile, "this is still what I like to do."
Respond: Competition is very much part of modern life. In every sphere of human activity there is some form of competition going on, be it on a larger or smaller degree. Some of us cope well. There are some who fall by the side. Yet there are some who shun competition, preferring not to get involved. We have to outdo others in order to win the competition. In our daily work we face many challenges arriving from others. We struggle to overcome them. As a student, in the competition for good grades, the achievers rejoice, the non-achievers grieve. We fight to be the best. Our education system has produced generations of people who judge a person by the amount of certificate he has.
From this report we can see that Mr. Ng was a dedicated worker. He puts his heart into what he is doing. He sacrificed his job as a machinist in a multinational aerospace company to become a lion head maker just to look after his wife and baby. He was a caring father who knows the needs of his family. Although lion head is a tough business he perseveres. He is unique as he takes request for custom-made heads thus able to survive in this career, and make high quality lion heads which were unmatchable compare to those tawdry china made lion heads.
In our life we face many challenges. We can learn from Mr. Ng. We do our best in whatever we do in order to stand out from others. We must be passionate in what we are doing to deliver the best. To survive the modern world we have to be unique or different from others to attract business and achieve results.
From Mr. Ng point of view taking care of his family is the most important followed by his career. Mr. Ng gave up his job and became a lion head maker. I think he followed his heart and fulfilled what a father should do. By tradition his wife should take care of the family. Since he can make lion head at home and earn money, at the same time look after his children, he stays at home. He is killing two birds with one stone. Rather than his wife becomes a house wife which will affect their income.
It seems to me that his family is the most important to him. And his job is not easy. I feel that the author put in a lot of effort to make his customer satisfied to beat lion head rivals.
That lion head making is a difficult and challenging job, making a living out of it require much effort and trouble.
We have to follow our hearts in whatever we do. Why? Because our passion for that will spur us on to beat the odds and overcome barriers. We can do our best for our family, friends and people and at the same time feel happy for what we are doing.
The 48-year old sports dark rings under his eyes. He has been up past midnight almost every night for the last two weeks, working.
Ng is a full-time lion-head maker, one of only two in Singapore.
"Chinese New Year is the busiest time of the year for me. Many troupes require new lion heads when they go out to perform. Since the start of the year, I have made 13 lion heads," said the father of three.
Married to a 44-year old operations executive, he picked up the craft during his army days when he was a member of the United Association lion dance troupe.
He became a full-time lion-head maker when he had his first child in 1995, two years after his marriage.
He had been working as a machinist in a multinational aerospace company, but resigned when he was not allowed to take leave to look after his wife and baby.
He turned to his talent, and started making lion heads for a living.
He likes the flexible hours, and feels a sense of pride when he sees his lions performing in public.
Satisfying his customers is something else.
"They expect a lot from me. The colour must be striking and the design must be unique so I must deliver products of good quality," he said.
It is a painstaking work, trimming bamboo with a sharp blade, assembling the head, and decorating it.
On average, he makes between five and six lion heads a month and charges about $1,250 (US$816) for each one.
It is a tough business, he said, and his biggest threat is competition from China-made lion heads which can be had for as little as $300 (US$196).
Ng said he is fortunate to be able to count on the more established troupes to give him business.
"They still buy from me because they know I will not compromise on quality. The imported lion heads have shoddy workmanship, they are mass produced and lack quality," he said.
He has another edge: He takes requests for custom-made heads. The most unusual request came from the Singapore Management University, which wanted a Merlion head for the opening of its Bras Basah campus.
Despite his talent and passion, he does not want his two sons and daughter to follow in his trade.
"I do not really see the prospects," he said.
As lion dance troupes get more commercialized and the industry more competitive, most will buy cheaper lion heads from China, he thinks.
For now, he has the perfect job and it allows him time to take care of the children while his wife is at work.
He added with a smile, "this is still what I like to do."
Respond: Competition is very much part of modern life. In every sphere of human activity there is some form of competition going on, be it on a larger or smaller degree. Some of us cope well. There are some who fall by the side. Yet there are some who shun competition, preferring not to get involved. We have to outdo others in order to win the competition. In our daily work we face many challenges arriving from others. We struggle to overcome them. As a student, in the competition for good grades, the achievers rejoice, the non-achievers grieve. We fight to be the best. Our education system has produced generations of people who judge a person by the amount of certificate he has.
From this report we can see that Mr. Ng was a dedicated worker. He puts his heart into what he is doing. He sacrificed his job as a machinist in a multinational aerospace company to become a lion head maker just to look after his wife and baby. He was a caring father who knows the needs of his family. Although lion head is a tough business he perseveres. He is unique as he takes request for custom-made heads thus able to survive in this career, and make high quality lion heads which were unmatchable compare to those tawdry china made lion heads.
In our life we face many challenges. We can learn from Mr. Ng. We do our best in whatever we do in order to stand out from others. We must be passionate in what we are doing to deliver the best. To survive the modern world we have to be unique or different from others to attract business and achieve results.
From Mr. Ng point of view taking care of his family is the most important followed by his career. Mr. Ng gave up his job and became a lion head maker. I think he followed his heart and fulfilled what a father should do. By tradition his wife should take care of the family. Since he can make lion head at home and earn money, at the same time look after his children, he stays at home. He is killing two birds with one stone. Rather than his wife becomes a house wife which will affect their income.
It seems to me that his family is the most important to him. And his job is not easy. I feel that the author put in a lot of effort to make his customer satisfied to beat lion head rivals.
That lion head making is a difficult and challenging job, making a living out of it require much effort and trouble.
We have to follow our hearts in whatever we do. Why? Because our passion for that will spur us on to beat the odds and overcome barriers. We can do our best for our family, friends and people and at the same time feel happy for what we are doing.
Environmental issue-conserving water
Call for water conservation in Penang in anticipation of dry spell
08 Feb 2007Lee Keng Fatt GEORGE TOWN, THU.:
The State government has called on people here to stop wasting water in anticipation of a long dry spell.Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said although the three dams in the State have enough water supply to last at least three months, it is still necessary for the people to conserve water."The situation is alright at the moment and people would still have sufficient water supply even if it does not rain for the next three months."However, that does not mean we should simply waste water," he said after receiving donations from various government agencies and the private sector for the Johor flood victims yesterday.The three dams in Penang are the Mengkuang dam on the mainland, Air Itam and Teluk Bahang dams.In the absence of rainfall, the Air Itam dam can store water for 91 days while the Mengkuang dam's supply can last for 164 days.The Teluk Bahang dam, meanwhile, can be used to supply water for 240 days when there is no rainfall.Koh said although the Air Itam dam storage could last only 91 days, the system was inter-connected and the supply area from Air Itam could be reached from other sources.
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/nst/Thursday/NewsBreak/20070208141958/Article/index_html
Respond: I agree that we should conserve water during long dry spell. We can conserve water by using what we need and not exploiting and using it excessively. There might not be enough water during dry spell, where rainfall is less, if everyone uses water extravagantly. We, sometimes take water for granted. This reflects that some of us think that clean water is unlimited till there is a lack of it. Thus we must conserve water and use it appropriately.
Since we know that water is a source of life of all living organism, we should try our best and think of ways to use less amount of water. We must learn to change our attitude and behavior. Conserve water both indoors in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room and outdoors. For example, turning off the faucet while brushing teeth or shaving,taking short showers rather than long showers or baths and turning the water off while soaping
From the government point of view Malaysian should conserve water. The amount of water they have is more than enough to last through the long dry spell. Malaysian may not feel the urge of conserving water. The State government should sound more serious and convincing so that citizens feel the urgencies to save water. More usage of water also causes water pollution. Inadvertently, there might be forest fire affecting society which require lots of water or extremely dry and hot season would cause the water to evaporate quickly and people using more water. Especially for the use of agriculture, crop irrigation accounts for 70% of the world's fresh water use. During long dry spell more water is needed in order for crops to survive.
To me saving water is important. To ensure availability for future generations, the withdrawal of fresh water from an ecosystem should not exceed its natural replacement rate. Minimizing human water use helps to preserve fresh water habitats for local wildlife and migrating waterfowl, as well as reducing the need to build new dams and other water diversion infrastructure. I am not experiencing what poor countries are experiencing so I may take water for granted and use it as though it is infinite. I have to understand that clean water is finite and to use it wisely. The state government is trying to tell the local people to save water even though there is plenty of water. This shows that the state government is concern about the future and the welfare of the country.
Do you want your future generations to enjoy clean water? I have a part to play in saving water, and encouraging people to conserve water. I do not know whether people are taking this situation seriously but I am confident that at least people know what is going on. Time and again we are reminded to conserve water. By reminding myself that many poor country do not have clean water makes me feel grateful that I have clean water to drink daily and not to waste it.
08 Feb 2007Lee Keng Fatt GEORGE TOWN, THU.:
The State government has called on people here to stop wasting water in anticipation of a long dry spell.Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said although the three dams in the State have enough water supply to last at least three months, it is still necessary for the people to conserve water."The situation is alright at the moment and people would still have sufficient water supply even if it does not rain for the next three months."However, that does not mean we should simply waste water," he said after receiving donations from various government agencies and the private sector for the Johor flood victims yesterday.The three dams in Penang are the Mengkuang dam on the mainland, Air Itam and Teluk Bahang dams.In the absence of rainfall, the Air Itam dam can store water for 91 days while the Mengkuang dam's supply can last for 164 days.The Teluk Bahang dam, meanwhile, can be used to supply water for 240 days when there is no rainfall.Koh said although the Air Itam dam storage could last only 91 days, the system was inter-connected and the supply area from Air Itam could be reached from other sources.
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/nst/Thursday/NewsBreak/20070208141958/Article/index_html
Respond: I agree that we should conserve water during long dry spell. We can conserve water by using what we need and not exploiting and using it excessively. There might not be enough water during dry spell, where rainfall is less, if everyone uses water extravagantly. We, sometimes take water for granted. This reflects that some of us think that clean water is unlimited till there is a lack of it. Thus we must conserve water and use it appropriately.
Since we know that water is a source of life of all living organism, we should try our best and think of ways to use less amount of water. We must learn to change our attitude and behavior. Conserve water both indoors in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room and outdoors. For example, turning off the faucet while brushing teeth or shaving,taking short showers rather than long showers or baths and turning the water off while soaping
From the government point of view Malaysian should conserve water. The amount of water they have is more than enough to last through the long dry spell. Malaysian may not feel the urge of conserving water. The State government should sound more serious and convincing so that citizens feel the urgencies to save water. More usage of water also causes water pollution. Inadvertently, there might be forest fire affecting society which require lots of water or extremely dry and hot season would cause the water to evaporate quickly and people using more water. Especially for the use of agriculture, crop irrigation accounts for 70% of the world's fresh water use. During long dry spell more water is needed in order for crops to survive.
To me saving water is important. To ensure availability for future generations, the withdrawal of fresh water from an ecosystem should not exceed its natural replacement rate. Minimizing human water use helps to preserve fresh water habitats for local wildlife and migrating waterfowl, as well as reducing the need to build new dams and other water diversion infrastructure. I am not experiencing what poor countries are experiencing so I may take water for granted and use it as though it is infinite. I have to understand that clean water is finite and to use it wisely. The state government is trying to tell the local people to save water even though there is plenty of water. This shows that the state government is concern about the future and the welfare of the country.
Do you want your future generations to enjoy clean water? I have a part to play in saving water, and encouraging people to conserve water. I do not know whether people are taking this situation seriously but I am confident that at least people know what is going on. Time and again we are reminded to conserve water. By reminding myself that many poor country do not have clean water makes me feel grateful that I have clean water to drink daily and not to waste it.
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