URL:http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20101121/tap-china-mine-flood-8d4ea94.html Date:Monday,22 November 2010
Summary: A flood had hit the notoriously dangerous mining sector in Sichuan province.This incident occured at 11am , near the city of Neijing.
A total of 41 miners were working in the Batian coal mine when the flood hit, but 13 escaped, suffering from only minor injuries.
Chinese mines are known as notoriously dangerous working places due to the corrupt mine operators trying to keep costs down, with coal mining particularly accident-prone.
-notoriously dangerous - widespread flouting of safety rules -accident-prone -typically blamed - came under fresh scrutiny -gripped the world -sparking comparisons - keep costs down -continue with regularity -strengthen safety
Reflections: I feel that the China government should keep their word to close down the dangerous mines so as to prevent further loss of precious lives and to ensure the safety of their citizens living there.
The New Paper Monday, November 22 Section: News Pg.4
Summary: Tom (not his real name) was bullied by five other classmates. They kicked, pinched and called him names. The shocking truth is that they were all Primary 1. After being injured, Tom ran around the school looking for his form teacher. Unable to find him/her, Tom ran out of school. Tom's mother, Madam Rina(not her real name), spent two hours searching for him, and Tom's elder sister soon found him.
Reflections: The news came as a shock to me. I have heard older pupils bullying Primary 1 pupils, but this was too much. Calling each other names is not over the line, but when 7 year-old children form a gang and start fighting, it gets over the line.
URL:http://sg.yfittopostblog.com/2010/11/22/mas-selamat-stayed-in-brothers-flat-to-evade-arrest/ Date: Monday, 22 November 2010
Summary: Mas Selamat's family helped to hide him by letting him stay in their house. They also helped him to escape from Singapore to Malaysia and Nur Aini applied make-up on him so that he could disguise himself as a woman to avoid getting caught. They were caught at a later date for harbouring Mas Selamat and were jailed.
New Phrases: -took shelter -render assistance -harbouring the terrorist -in lieu of -fugitive -evade -facilitate -to keep the lid on the danger of -enhance -operationally Reflections: I never thought that Mas Selamat's family would help him to escape from the long arms of the law. They should advise him to turn himself in or call the police to arrest him. Although it was difficult to do so but harbouring a wanted fugitive is very serious offence.
From:sport(the strait times) Title:Trills galore as India's women distance runners win Date:22 november 2010
Summmary: This newspaper article is about an Indian long distance runner who peserveres and end up winning the race in Guangzhou,China.She even won the chinese world champion long distance runner,Bai Xue.
New words:-galore -steeplechase -gritty -compatriot -sliverware -philosophical -infrigements reflection:From this article,i learnt that everything is possible,as long as you put your heart and soul in it.
My Paper Tuesday, November 23 Sports Section Page A16 Officials' spat is punishing sailors
Right after the Singapore sailors won the eight medals, chef de mission Low Teo Pingh, who was a former president of SingaporeSailing, criticised the policy of selecting silors for the keelboat matchracing event, which Singapore were champions. He believed that his previous selection method of hand-picking sailors is better than the current policy of having open trials to choose sailors. President Ben Tan naturally defended his policy and another former sailing president, Singapore's IOC member Ng Ser Meng joined in the argument, which is made in the public.
New phrases and words: -overshadowed -chef de mission -demeaning -bountiful -slammed remarks -debated behind closed doors -air criticism -casts a poor light -planted seeds of doubt -credentials -away from the public glare -war of words
I think that the former and current sailing presidents should not argue over such a minor issue, but instead should be happy that the sailors brought in many medals. They should be arguing, if there is a need to, privately and not in the public and also should argue after the games. I think that they are very selfish and never spare a thought for the sailors. They did not care how the sailors feel and I think that is a wrong behaviour as officals.
Title: Hundreds killed in deadly stampede URL: http://www.todayonline.com/World/EDC101123-0000149/Hundreds-killed-in-deadly-stampede Date: 23 November 2010
Summary: As people celebrated the end of the rainy season, the 10 fell unconscious in the press of the crowd, making the others panic. Not knowing what to do, the others tried to flee over a bridge and were crushed underfoot or fell over its sides into the water.
New phrases: ~reign of terror ~swarmed the area ~strike his country ~marks the end ~account of the cause ~caught underfoot
Reflections: It is not very surprising that there was a stampede in the capital of Cambodia, given the large amount of people living there. But I never expected the crowd to be so panicky just because of ten people who fell unconscious, which resulted to a stampede with many dead victims. In my opinion, the government ought to develop the hospital's health system in order to save the innocent victims. Since they are one of the poorer countries, they could seek help from neighbouring countries. After all, neighbours should help one another.
The Straits Times Monday,November 15 -Fierce Rivalry to be class leaders in China
Summary: In China, the competition for leadership positions is highly intense. This widespread obsession even resulted in some students running away from home when they were not appointed to be a leader. Parents gave teachers gifts to let them have a good impression of their children and allow their children to be a leader. Some teachers felt that it was embarrassing.
Good Phrases: -In an attempt -Cool the fierce rivalry -Misguided values -Highly intense -Prestigious -To the relief -Widespread obsession
Reflections: I think that the fierce rivalry is quite scary as it can even result in children running away from home. These children might even do something worse if they are not chosen. I think that we should seize each opportunity we get to be a leader or whatsoever. We should also give our best when doing our duties.
Summary:A few weeks before her wedding day, Rachelle Friedman went out for her bachelorette party with some close friends last May. After a night out on the town, the group went to the home of Rachelle's best friend.
The friend playfully pushed Rachelle into the swimming pool — something they'd done to each other many times before — but this time the bride-to-be landed on her head, paralyzing her from her chest down. Rachelle did not blame her best friend and said that blaming her would be ridiculous.
Good phrases: - bachelorette - Despite the odds and the tragic turn her life has taken - rehab - significant financial strains - ineligible for assistance. - holds no ill will
Reflections: I think puttiing our past behind and not blaming people for your injuries is inportant. Everyone makes mistakes. Instead of planning revenge on that person, you should strive to go on and make your life fruitful despite your disadvantage. If others can do it, why can't you? Rachelle is one good example.
The Straits Times Wednesday,November 24 Prime section,Pg A13 Hundreds die in water fest stampede
Summary: A stampede happened on the last day of Cambodia's annual water festival.Thousands of people pushed and shoved on a narrow bridge linked to a man-made island,Diamond Island.More than 370 people were trampled to death or suffocated in the stampede and 750 others were injured.
Good phrases: -stampede -turned horribly tragic -initial confusion -getting knocked down and crushed underfoot -writhed -flock to (somewhere) -offered their condolences
Reflection:I think that we shold not rush or push when we are in a tight squeeze.It might get us injured or it may even cause death.We should find an easier way out if it comes to difficult situations.
The Straits Times 26 November 2010, Friday Page A8, Prime News
Top PSLE boy loves all things Chinese
Summary: This article is about the top PSLE scorer for 2010. He got distinction for Higher Chinese. This article talks about his intrest in Chinese. He does Chinese literature, plays the erhu and Chinese chess. He likes the language alot as he had an early start to it.
Good Phrases: ~devours [a book] ~self-confessed ~cohort ~set his heart on mastering... ~enthralled ~practitioner ~love for anything [Chinese]
Reflection: I think that as a Chinese, I should be good in it. It is very embarrassing when another race is better in their Mother Tongue than I am. I admire Alex Tan and I wish I would develop a strong love for Chinese too. I think Alex is a consistent worker so he did not feel any stress while preparing for the PSLE.
URL : http://sg.yfittopostblog.com/2010/11/25/bunny-crushing-videos-stir-outrage-online/ Date :25 November 2010
Summary: This article is about attractive young Chinese women being paid for crushing small rabbits. They are paid 400 yuan (S$60) for crushing rabbits. This incident has created a huge uproar in China. In the video, attractive young Chinese women is seen crushing small rabbit under her high heels. After doing each evil doings, they will start giggling.
Good Words/Phrases : -sparked a heated response -tamp down the outrage -malfeasance
Reflections : I think that it is very cruel and disgusting to kill those innocent animals. Even if they are paid to do so, they can turn it down! I have seen other animal abuse articles, they all involved killing of animals. I don't see why it is so 'nice' to kill those animals! Why would someone so cruel pay someone just to kill those animals. That person must be perverted and evil. We should protect animals and treasure them. They have feelings too! If this continues, those animal might extinct and the next generation might not be able to see those animals ever again. :( I really hope these doings will not happen again.
I once saw a video showing a woman wearing high heels and the woman literally stepped on the cat at the stomach and pushes the heart out from the mouth of the cat. Even worse, she stepped on the heart and blood oozed out. That was totally SICK!
Headlines:Make-up artist sues over botched nose job
Summary:Celebrity make-up artist Yuan Sng wanted a sharper nose.So he decided to undergo plastic surgery.It was all good,till the seventh operation.To his dismay,he got a disfigured nose.After that,Yuan Sng decided to go for treatment to fix his nose.During the surgery that lasted for 6.5 hours,Yuan Sng suffered from extreme pain.It was then known that Dr Dass,who treated Yuan Sng, was negligent in treating Yuan Sng.
Reflections:I think that all doctors should treat their patients cautiously wuth care or they would suffer the consequences if the patient is unhappy.They could be sued or fined or maybe even jailed.Being a doctor is a hard job that requires you to be very careful.
Good words/phrases; -botched -negligent -contesting a case -rhinoplasty plastic-surgery -nasal cavity -assessed
URL:http://health.asiaone.com/Health/News/Story/A1Story20101202-250406.html Date:4 December 2010
Headlines: Her leg was consumed by 'flesh-eating bacteria'
Summary: A harmful bateria developed on a woman's leg and she has to go for 4 to 5 sugery to get rid of the dead cells in her leg. She had to have the sugery if not she had a 70% chance of dying.
Reflections: I think that we should really be health cautious and care about our health very intensely because i don't think anyone would want to contract NF and go for numerous operations. We should also tend to all the wounds in our body as bacteria can enter even the smallest little wounds and at that you might contract NF.
Good phrases: -necrotising fasciitis -mortality rate -subcutaneous tissues -diabetic -toxins
URL:http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_610402.html Date: Dec 4, 2010
Summary: Southeastern Europe struggled with some of the worst flooding in a century. Entire villages in Montenegro were submerged by the rising waters.With the latest deaths in Poland, the total number of people in Europe who have died of exposure in recent days has risen to at least 40.
Reflections: I think the snow came too quickly and they were not prepared so they will freeze to death.
Good phrases: - died of exposure - heavy disruptions - warned of delays and cancellations - snarled traffic - halted flights
5 December 2010 The Sunday times, Home Summary: Brothers Karl and Christopher Chong, who spent US$50,000 founding local online coupon website Beeconomic in February this year, sold it to Groupon, one of the world’s largest online discount film for US$24,000,000. Before that they were living on chicken rice and working out of a Little India hostel room and foodcourts. They decided to spend their money on clearing the mortgage on his apartment in Brooklyn, New York, and buying their parents a trip round the world. New phrases acquired: • Collating pages • Negotiating a (multimillion)deal • The windfall • Fitting present • Cut his teeth on • Salaried jobs I feel that the two brothers have used a lot of effort during the 6 months and they deserve the reward they are reaping from their hard work.
4 December 2010 The Straits Times In Their Own Groove SUMMARY: Michael Song, advertising business man, spends his Wednesdays training ex-offenders in music to help them find jobs. NEW PHRASES LEARNT: ~ Ensconced ~ Protégé ~ Accosted REFLECTIONS: I think that Mr Song is an extremely benevolent man and these ex-offenders are very lucky to have met him and received his help. Although Mr Michael Song has played a big part in helping these ex-offenders turn over a new leaf, I feel that they have also helped themselves a lot. Even if Mr Song gave them a lot of help and encouragement, if they did not want to take the chance and be determined to go straight, they would not have succeeded in becoming a better person. I want to congratulate these ex-offenders for successfully turning their lives around, and Mr Song for being such a kind-hearted man. Sue Min
Summary: This article is about how cellphones affects a child's behavior, when a pregnant mother uses it. It may affect the child's obedience and emotional issues, which in turn leads to the child misbehaving.
New phrases: 1.epidemiologist: a medical scientist who studies the transmission and control of epidemic diseases 2.skeptical: having a feeling of doubt 3.biostatistics: a branch of biology that studies biological phenomena and observations by means of statistical analysis 4.warranted: to guarantee 5.intrusive: tending to interfere
My views: The use of cellphone may harm a child in the mother's body as cellphones have electromagnetic fields and have some form of radiation. To reduce the likelihood of this happening, use a cellphone only when necessary.
The Straits Time Date:6 December 2010 Summary:This article is about how The United States will lose their trust with the countries due to WikiLeaks releasing about the secret of diplomatic cables and that no matter what happens,countries around the world will have to consult and deal with American diplomats,scandal or no scandal. New phrases: 1.diplomatic:connected with managing relations between countries/having or showing skill in dealing with people in difficult situations. 2.mandatory:required by law(compulsory) 3.gridlock:a situation in which people with different opinions are not able to agree with each other and so no action can be taken. 4.frivolous:silly or amusing,especially when such behaviour is not suitable/having no useful or serious purpose 5.satire:a way of criticizing a person,an idea or an instituition in which you usehumour to show their faults or weaknessess;a piece of writing that use this type of criticism. My views:America may be the boss,but soon some other country will take over as boss as Mr Obama spends too much time on stuff at the wrong time and thus may bring the downfall of America. By:Koh Tiak Howe
The Straits Times - Prime News 9 December 2010 Stress may turn youngsters into video game addicts
Summary: This article is about the Singapore's first comprehensive study of video game addiction and the cause and reason of various percentage.
New Phrases Learnt: ~Alarmingly ~Deemed addicts cut off classes to play ~Pathological ~Sanguine
Reflection: I feel that some youngsters did not turn into video games addicts because of stress but because of influence from bad companies. Playing video games sometimes might help to get away with our stress but getting hooked to video games can lead to playing truant and even to not doing our homework or work. Getting addicted to video games not only worries our relatives but also sometimes affects our mindset and even our behaviour. This isn't a good thing to know. I feel that we should practise self-control and not get hooked to video games.
Summary:The Bedok Town Council had cheered residents when they told them that they were going to upgrade the estates.Now the buildings were upgraded and their business had been upgraded.
New Phrases: -facelift -cheered him up -Revitalisation
Reflection: I think there should be more upgrades to Singapore so that Singaporeans can be happy staying in Singapore and will not migrate to other countries. If many of the Singaporeans do that, Singapore's population will definitely decrease.
Summary:A Florida couple was sentenced to several years in prison Friday for exploiting dozens of Filipino migrants they lured with lies and forced to work under threat in service jobs in Florida.
New words/phrases: -under threat -conspiring -incur debts -recruitment -exploited
Reflection:I think what the Florida couple done was wrong.They exploited human beings for their own financial gain.How would the couple feel if they are being used by some other people for money?
14 December 2010 Today Paper Woman who survived 12-floor fall into pool " a rare case"
Summary: A lady called Zhou Zhi Hui survived after plunging 12 stories into a swimming pool.She suffered only bruises after her fall from a condominium balcony at Jalan Datoh.Investigations into her case are ongoing.
New words/Phrases: -impact -phenomenon -internal -foetal
Reflection: I think that this lady had nine lives. According to the article, the reports shown that people who jump down from the 4th story would normally die, while this lady survived a 12 story fall. But I think that she jump down the building for no valid reasons like fire or what, she shouldnt jump down. If it is a case of suicide, just jumping down and die wouldnt help if she had difficulties. Life is precious, and not all people are as lucky as her.
December 15th, 2010 Housewife glues her eyes shut after pharmacy mix-up URL:http://sg.yfittopostblog.com/2010/12/15/housewife-glues-her-eyes-shut-after-pharmacy-mix-up/
Summary: Madam Pang went to visit an eye specialist in NUH and was given a dental paste by the pharmacy staff instead of an eye gel prescribed by the specialist. As she could not read English, she was not able to identify the mistake, she applied the dental paste in her eyes, causing her eyelids to stick together. Luckily, her eyes recovered. The hospital apologized for the mistake.
New phrases/words: -dispensed -adhesive -abrasion -inflammation
Reflection: The pharmacy staff should be more vigilant when dispensing medicine to the patients. As patients, wewe should check the medicine properly before we apply or take it. For those who could not understand English, they should get someone's help to check.
Summary: At Kuching, Malaysia, a 66year old man was eaten by a 20m long crocodile when he went fishing in a river near his house. the villagers saw his body inside the crocodile's mouth but could not do anything to help.A rescue team was sent to search for the crocodile, but they could not find him.
New phrases/words: -immerse: soak, go inside water -comprising of: a group of -longboat: a long boat
Comments: I think it is treacherous for such an old man to go fishing himself. One of his family members or friends should accompany him if something happens. During fishing on boats, it is also safer to be equipped with a weapon just in case of a shark attack or any thing else.
December 23 2010 Zsa Zsa Gabor's husband glues own eye shut
Summary:Zsa Zsa Gabor's husband,Prince Frederic Von Anhalt,mistakenly picked up a bottle of nail glue he mistook for eye drops and sealed his eye shut. He then undergoes a procedure at a Beverly Hills clinic to unstick his eye.
New phrases/words: -of yore -administer -rites -socialite
Comments:I think that we should be more careful in everything that we do so that we could aviod any unnecessary accidents. Prince Frederic Von Anhalt should be more careful and should place his eye drops at a particular place where he would remember so that he would not mistaken his eye drops for any other things.
Title: More harrowing tales of maid abuse from Saudi Arabia URL: http://www.asianewsnet.net/home/news.php?id=15653 Date: 23 November 2010
Summary: Many maids in Saudi Arabia complained about the hard labour they received from their employers. One of them said that her employer did not want to give her money for 9 years and when she asked him for money, he said that it was already in her bank. Another one was partially paralyzed due to the back-breaking work that the family asked her to do.
New phrases: -back-breaking work -Indonesian consulate -seek redress -consulate -accused of inflicting serious burns and cuts -sweeping raids against -already barred -spate of -the latter -50,400 Saudi riyals
Reflections: I think that maid abuse is VERY VERY wrong. Maids are humans too. They should be treated well and fairly. It doesn't mean that if they are working for us, they could be treated as lower life forms. What's more, the maids are away from their family and have gone to different countries to look for jobs to earn a living as well as to support their poor families. The employers have no right to abuse the maids, even though they are not as fortunate as us. THEY SHOULD BE TREATED EQUALLY! By: Victoria Chan ^^
Title:Parents sue doc, KKH over teen's death December 30 2010 Summary:The parents of Yuanchi, a teenage leukaemia patient who died five days after he was admitted into KK Hospital, are sueing the hospital and doctor for not treating their son earlier as he was also battling a bacteria infection.
New phrases: -alleged negligence -appropriate treatment -disputing the claims -mounting their defence -slated for chemotherapy
Reflections: I think that the doctor should have treated Yuanchi's infection a lot earlier. Without the infection, Yuanchi's leukaemia can be treated and he might not have died. I think Yuanchi's parents are right to sue the hospital and especially the doctor.
Title: Parents sue doc, KKH over teen's death. Date : 30 December 2010 [The Straits Times: Home] Summary: Cao Yuanchi, at the age of 14, died from massive bleeding in the brain cause by leukemia. Before his death, he was also fighting a bacteria infection. Because of him having the bacteria infection, he could not be treated by the doctor. The late treatment had caused his death. Yuanchi's parents then decided to sue the hospital and the doctor.
New Phrases: -Alleged Negligence -Disputing the Claims -Mounting Their Defence -Acute Promyeloctic Leukemia (APL) -All-Trans Retinoic Acid -Amicably resolved -Inherent Risks
Reflection: I think that the doctor should have paid most attention at Yuanchi, so that immediate decision for treatments for his illness can be treated appropriately. They should have done more to treat his illness so as to prevent his death. His parents have the right to sue both the hospital and the doctor, with a arguable compensation.
Tittle: Boy's roller coaster ride in primary school Date: 26 December 2010 Section: Home
Summary: Muhammmad Iskandar Abdul Razak was demoted from P5 to P2 last year after his school discovered that he could neither read nor write. But when he was transferred to a new school earlier this year, he was promoted back to P5. And, despite the odds, he managed to pass one of his subjects at P5 and is now promoted to P6.
Good words/phrases: - despite the odds - struggled with his studies - attained - tremendous improvement - credited his turnaround to
Reflections: I feel that the school should have discovered that there was a problem with him earlier, instead of promoting him systematically, then demoting him after a few years.
URL:http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20101231/tap-health-china-food-safety-rice-8d4ea94.html Title: Rice noodles prompt latest China food scare Date:1 January 2011
Summmary: In the recent weeks, large amounts of tainted rice noodles are being sold in South China. The cost-conscious producers used bleach on the rotting rice and used carcinogenic additives such as sulphur dioxide and other substances to stretch one pound of grain into three pounds of noodles. This food processing method used to make the tainted noodles were spreading to other regions as an accepted way to cut costs.
Good words/phrases:
-carcinogenic (can cause cancer) -cost-conscious (alert of the money spent) -bleaching (whitening something by sunlight or chemical process) -wholesalers (people selling things at large quantities) -gear up for (prepare for) -wary (cautious) -contaminated (infected) -laced with (mixed with)
Reflections: I think that the manufacturers should not do this even though it saves them money. Their act can kill people, bringing grief to their families and friends. Furthermore, the money cannot bring back the deaths of these people. Thus, I hope that the Chinese government will stop this malicious act and sue the manufacturers' companies so as to prevent more deaths. As the saying goes, 'Money is the root of all evil.'
URL:http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20101209-251723.html Title:Man slashed in Yishun over missing handphone Date:9 december 2010 Summary: Three teenage suspects, aged 13, 15 and 18, were arrested yesterday for slashing a 23-year-old-man at Block 362 Yishun Ring Road Thursday evening. A police spokesman told AsiaOne a dispute over a missing handphone is believed to be the cause of the slashing. According to online reports, the victim was attacked by two youths on a motorcycle.
The victim later fled the scene, leaving a trail of blood from injuries to the head and arms. Police investigations are ongoing. Good phrases acquired: fled the scene ongoing sought dispute Comments:I feel that we should not senselessly kill or harm others just because of a trivial matter.Also,i feel that the Singapore Police Force should quickly solve the problem of youth gangs and secret societies as they are a threat to Singapore"s security.
No rush to military intervention in Ivory Coast By Mark Doyle BBC News, Abidjan "We are pursuing the diplomatic path where possible", said Ouattara spokesman and minister-in-waiting Patrick Achi. "But it seems that former President Gbagbo doesn't want to listen to the world - so the possibility of using force, as suggested by West African countries, is also on the table". However, there are several reasons why a West African military intervention could be a long way off - if it happens at all. West African nations, usually led by regional giant Nigeria, have mounted military interventions under the banner of "Ecomog" (Economic Community Monitoring Group) before. But they have always been in much smaller countries than Ivory Coast where the governments in place wanted the foreign soldiers to come. In Sierra Leone and Liberia, for example, Ecomog troops arrived when the governments there were besieged by rebels - but, crucially, still in control of the main ports and airports so the outside forces could arrive and take up positions relatively easily. In Ivory Coast, the man still in charge of the army, the main airports and the seaports, Laurent Gbagbo, is violently opposed to any intervention. And it seems most unlikely Ecomog would try to force its way in. The armies of the region don't have enough of the equipment or military intelligence necessary for such a "hot assault". It is not that the skills of ordinary West African soldiers are in question. Many of the infantry (or ground troops) from Ghana, for example, or Senegal, are trained to world standards. But the kind of operation necessary to take control of a large country like Ivory Coast quickly would require sophisticated attack helicopters in big numbers, satellite tracking gear and highly mobile forces with state-of-the-art weapons systems. Some Ecomog-contributing countries have some of this type of kit - but probably not enough. Poor airlift capacity has always been a weakness of most African armies. Most African countries also lack the special forces and on-the-ground military intelligence that would allow them to track and target the physical and personal centres of Mr Gbagbo's power base. In addition, Ecomog has only been successful in most of its operations when it has been supported by outside forces. The UN and Britain helped Ecomog in Sierra Leone, for example, and the United States assisted with training and equipment in Liberia. The obvious candidate to help in Ivory Coast would be France, which has 900 highly trained soldiers based near Abidjan airport. The official role of these troops is to be the Rapid Reaction Force of the United Nations peacekeeping force in Ivory Coast. However, if soldiers from the former colonial power France joined forces with anyone to take Ivory Coast by force it would be political dynamite. It would very likely cause an explosion of popular opposition in areas loyal to Mr Gbagbo and risk leading to the deaths of many thousands of people. Other political considerations are regional. In some West African nations it would be unpopular for the leadership to send its soldiers into danger for the sake of democracy in a far-off land. Although, these days most West African leaders are elected to office, some have better democratic credentials than others. In some countries it would be seen as gross hypocrisy for a dubiously elected leader to send soldiers to Ivory Coast to enforce a democratic process. Finally, in the key state of Nigeria, presidential elections will be held in 2011. Few Nigerian politicians would openly defend sending Nigerian soldiers to war in Ivory Coast. The politicians know that Nigerian voters are only too aware of the many problems in their own country. Returning body bags don't usually help political campaigns.
New words/phrases I’ve learnt: On the table Regional giant Power base Political dynamite Candidate Comments: I am not supportive of foreign troops using force to control Ivory Coast’s political situation. It just brings up more and more trouble. You can’t just care about which guy gets to be the president. The Ivoirians’ lives are more important. When all those military people march into Ivory Coast, it is unavoidable that Ivoirians (and also the foreign troops, whose lives are also very important) will (at least) take casualties. Also, there are risks of troops not being able to throw Gbagbo out of the country, as the former president still has the control of the nation’s armed forces. All in all, I hope that all those violence and chaos will end as soon as possible in Ivory Coast.
URL:http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20101121/tap-china-mine-flood-8d4ea94.html
ReplyDeleteDate:Monday,22 November 2010
Summary: A flood had hit the notoriously dangerous mining sector in Sichuan province.This incident occured at 11am , near the city of Neijing.
A total of 41 miners were working in the Batian coal mine when the flood hit, but 13 escaped, suffering from only minor injuries.
Chinese mines are known as notoriously dangerous working places due to the corrupt mine operators trying to keep costs down, with coal mining particularly accident-prone.
-notoriously dangerous
- widespread flouting of safety rules
-accident-prone
-typically blamed
- came under fresh scrutiny
-gripped the world
-sparking comparisons
- keep costs down
-continue with regularity
-strengthen safety
Reflections: I feel that the China government should keep their word to close down the dangerous mines so as to prevent further loss of precious lives and to ensure the safety of their citizens living there.
The New Paper
ReplyDeleteMonday, November 22
Section: News
Pg.4
Summary: Tom (not his real name) was bullied by five other classmates. They kicked, pinched and called him names. The shocking truth is that they were all Primary 1. After being injured, Tom ran around the school looking for his form teacher. Unable to find him/her, Tom ran out of school. Tom's mother, Madam Rina(not her real name), spent two hours searching for him, and Tom's elder sister soon found him.
Phrases:
-trivial
-alleged
-strong stance
-guidelines
Reflections: The news came as a shock to me. I have heard older pupils bullying Primary 1 pupils, but this was too much. Calling each other names is not over the line, but when 7 year-old children form a gang and start fighting, it gets over the line.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteURL:http://sg.yfittopostblog.com/2010/11/22/mas-selamat-stayed-in-brothers-flat-to-evade-arrest/
ReplyDeleteDate: Monday, 22 November 2010
Summary: Mas Selamat's family helped to hide him by letting him stay in their house.
They also helped him to escape from Singapore to Malaysia and Nur Aini applied make-up on him so that he could disguise himself as a woman to avoid getting caught.
They were caught at a later date for harbouring Mas Selamat and were jailed.
New Phrases:
-took shelter
-render assistance
-harbouring the terrorist
-in lieu of
-fugitive
-evade
-facilitate
-to keep the lid on the danger of
-enhance
-operationally
Reflections: I never thought that Mas Selamat's family would help him to escape from the long arms of the law. They should advise him to turn himself in or call the police to arrest him. Although it was difficult to do so but harbouring a wanted fugitive is very serious offence.
From:sport(the strait times)
ReplyDeleteTitle:Trills galore as India's women distance runners win
Date:22 november 2010
Summmary: This newspaper article is about an Indian long distance runner who peserveres and end up winning the race in Guangzhou,China.She even won the chinese world champion long distance runner,Bai Xue.
New words:-galore
-steeplechase
-gritty
-compatriot
-sliverware
-philosophical
-infrigements
reflection:From this article,i learnt that everything is possible,as long as you put your heart and soul in it.
My Paper
ReplyDeleteTuesday, November 23
Sports Section
Page A16
Officials' spat is punishing sailors
Right after the Singapore sailors won the eight medals, chef de mission Low Teo Pingh, who was a former president of SingaporeSailing, criticised the policy of selecting silors for the keelboat matchracing event, which Singapore were champions. He believed that his previous selection method of hand-picking sailors is better than the current policy of having open trials to choose sailors. President Ben Tan naturally defended his policy and another former sailing president, Singapore's IOC member Ng Ser Meng joined in the argument, which is made in the public.
New phrases and words:
-overshadowed
-chef de mission
-demeaning
-bountiful
-slammed remarks
-debated behind closed doors
-air criticism
-casts a poor light
-planted seeds of doubt
-credentials
-away from the public glare
-war of words
I think that the former and current sailing presidents should not argue over such a minor issue, but instead should be happy that the sailors brought in many medals. They should be arguing, if there is a need to, privately and not in the public and also should argue after the games. I think that they are very selfish and never spare a thought for the sailors. They did not care how the sailors feel and I think that is a wrong behaviour as officals.
Title: Hundreds killed in deadly stampede
ReplyDeleteURL: http://www.todayonline.com/World/EDC101123-0000149/Hundreds-killed-in-deadly-stampede
Date: 23 November 2010
Summary:
As people celebrated the end of the rainy season, the 10 fell unconscious in the press of the crowd, making the others panic. Not knowing what to do, the others tried to flee over a bridge and were crushed underfoot or fell over its sides into the water.
New phrases:
~reign of terror
~swarmed the area
~strike his country
~marks the end
~account of the cause
~caught underfoot
Reflections:
It is not very surprising that there was a stampede in the capital of Cambodia, given the large amount of people living there. But I never expected the crowd to be so panicky just because of ten people who fell unconscious, which resulted to a stampede with many dead victims. In my opinion, the government ought to develop the hospital's health system in order to save the innocent victims. Since they are one of the poorer countries, they could seek help from neighbouring countries. After all, neighbours should help one another.
The Straits Times
ReplyDeleteMonday,November 15
-Fierce Rivalry to be class leaders in China
Summary:
In China, the competition for leadership positions is highly intense. This widespread obsession even resulted in some students running away from home when they were not appointed to be a leader. Parents gave teachers gifts to let them have a good impression of their children and allow their children to be a leader. Some teachers felt that it was embarrassing.
Good Phrases:
-In an attempt
-Cool the fierce rivalry
-Misguided values
-Highly intense
-Prestigious
-To the relief
-Widespread obsession
Reflections:
I think that the fierce rivalry is quite scary as it can even result in children running away from home. These children might even do something worse if they are not chosen. I think that we should seize each opportunity we get to be a leader or whatsoever. We should also give our best when doing our duties.
URL:http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_newsroom/20101122/hl_yblog_newsroom/bride-to-be-moves-on-after-tragic-prank
ReplyDeleteDate: Monday 22 November
Summary:A few weeks before her wedding day, Rachelle Friedman went out for her bachelorette party with some close friends last May. After a night out on the town, the group went to the home of Rachelle's best friend.
The friend playfully pushed Rachelle into the swimming pool — something they'd done to each other many times before — but this time the bride-to-be landed on her head, paralyzing her from her chest down.
Rachelle did not blame her best friend and said that blaming her would be ridiculous.
Good phrases:
- bachelorette
- Despite the odds and the tragic turn her life has taken
- rehab
- significant financial strains
- ineligible for assistance.
- holds no ill will
Reflections:
I think puttiing our past behind and not blaming people for your injuries is inportant. Everyone makes mistakes. Instead of planning revenge on that person, you should strive to go on and make your life fruitful despite your disadvantage. If others can do it, why can't you? Rachelle is one good example.
The Straits Times
ReplyDeleteWednesday,November 24
Prime section,Pg A13
Hundreds die in water fest stampede
Summary: A stampede happened on the last day of Cambodia's annual water festival.Thousands of people pushed and shoved on a narrow bridge linked to a man-made island,Diamond Island.More than 370 people were trampled to death or suffocated in the stampede and 750 others were injured.
Good phrases:
-stampede
-turned horribly tragic
-initial confusion
-getting knocked down and crushed underfoot
-writhed
-flock to (somewhere)
-offered their condolences
Reflection:I think that we shold not rush or push when we are in a tight squeeze.It might get us injured or it may even cause death.We should find an easier way out if it comes to difficult situations.
The Straits Times
ReplyDelete26 November 2010, Friday
Page A8, Prime News
Top PSLE boy loves all things Chinese
Summary: This article is about the top PSLE scorer for 2010. He got distinction for Higher Chinese. This article talks about his intrest in Chinese. He does Chinese literature, plays the erhu and Chinese chess. He likes the language alot as he had an early start to it.
Good Phrases:
~devours [a book]
~self-confessed
~cohort
~set his heart on mastering...
~enthralled
~practitioner
~love for anything [Chinese]
Reflection:
I think that as a Chinese, I should be good in it. It is very embarrassing when another race is better in their Mother Tongue than I am. I admire Alex Tan and I wish I would develop a strong love for Chinese too. I think Alex is a consistent worker so he did not feel any stress while preparing for the PSLE.
URL : http://sg.yfittopostblog.com/2010/11/25/bunny-crushing-videos-stir-outrage-online/
ReplyDeleteDate :25 November 2010
Summary: This article is about attractive young Chinese women being paid for crushing small rabbits. They are paid 400 yuan (S$60) for crushing rabbits. This incident has created a huge uproar in China. In the video, attractive young Chinese women is seen crushing small rabbit under her high heels. After doing each evil doings, they will start giggling.
Good Words/Phrases :
-sparked a heated response
-tamp down the outrage
-malfeasance
Reflections :
I think that it is very cruel and disgusting to kill those innocent animals. Even if they are paid to do so, they can turn it down! I have seen other animal abuse articles, they all involved killing of animals. I don't see why it is so 'nice' to kill those animals! Why would someone so cruel pay someone just to kill those animals. That person must be perverted and evil.
We should protect animals and treasure them. They have feelings too! If this continues, those animal might extinct and the next generation might not be able to see those animals ever again. :( I really hope these doings will not happen again.
I once saw a video showing a woman wearing high heels and the woman literally stepped on the cat at the stomach and pushes the heart out from the mouth of the cat. Even worse, she stepped on the heart and blood oozed out. That was totally SICK!
The Straits times
ReplyDelete3 December 2010
Headlines:Make-up artist sues over botched nose job
Summary:Celebrity make-up artist Yuan Sng wanted a sharper nose.So he decided to undergo plastic surgery.It was all good,till the seventh operation.To his dismay,he got a disfigured nose.After that,Yuan Sng decided to go for treatment to fix his nose.During the surgery that lasted for 6.5 hours,Yuan Sng suffered from extreme pain.It was then known that Dr Dass,who treated Yuan Sng, was negligent in treating Yuan Sng.
Reflections:I think that all doctors should treat their patients cautiously wuth care or they would suffer the consequences if the patient is unhappy.They could be sued or fined or maybe even jailed.Being a doctor is a hard job that requires you to be very careful.
Good words/phrases;
-botched
-negligent
-contesting a case
-rhinoplasty plastic-surgery
-nasal cavity
-assessed
URL:http://health.asiaone.com/Health/News/Story/A1Story20101202-250406.html
ReplyDeleteDate:4 December 2010
Headlines: Her leg was consumed by 'flesh-eating bacteria'
Summary: A harmful bateria developed on a woman's leg and she has to go for 4 to 5 sugery to get rid of the dead cells in her leg. She had to have the sugery if not she had a 70% chance of dying.
Reflections: I think that we should really be health cautious and care about our health very intensely because i don't think anyone would want to contract NF and go for numerous operations. We should also tend to all the wounds in our body as bacteria can enter even the smallest little wounds and at that you might contract NF.
Good phrases:
-necrotising fasciitis
-mortality rate
-subcutaneous tissues
-diabetic
-toxins
URL:http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_610402.html
ReplyDeleteDate: Dec 4, 2010
Summary: Southeastern Europe struggled with some of the worst flooding in a century. Entire villages in Montenegro were submerged by the rising waters.With the latest deaths in Poland, the total number of people in Europe who have died of exposure in recent days has risen to at least 40.
Reflections: I think the snow came too quickly and they were not prepared so they will freeze to death.
Good phrases:
- died of exposure
- heavy disruptions
- warned of delays and cancellations
- snarled traffic
- halted flights
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete5 December 2010
ReplyDeleteThe Sunday times, Home
Summary:
Brothers Karl and Christopher Chong, who spent US$50,000 founding local online coupon website Beeconomic in February this year, sold it to Groupon, one of the world’s largest online discount film for US$24,000,000. Before that they were living on chicken rice and working out of a Little India hostel room and foodcourts. They decided to spend their money on clearing the mortgage on his apartment in Brooklyn, New York, and buying their parents a trip round the world.
New phrases acquired:
• Collating pages
• Negotiating a (multimillion)deal
• The windfall
• Fitting present
• Cut his teeth on
• Salaried jobs
I feel that the two brothers have used a lot of effort during the 6 months and they deserve the reward they are reaping from their hard work.
6 December 2010
ReplyDeleteURL: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20101206/tap-afghanistan-unrest-us-petraeus-wikil-eea7cf4.html
Summary: General David Petraeus speaks for Afghanistan and argued with USA.
New phrases:
-sovereign
-undermining
-allegations
-legitimate
I feel that USA had been too harsh on other countries besides Afghanistan.
4 December 2010
ReplyDeleteThe Straits Times
In Their Own Groove
SUMMARY:
Michael Song, advertising business man, spends his Wednesdays training ex-offenders in music to help them find jobs.
NEW PHRASES LEARNT:
~ Ensconced
~ Protégé
~ Accosted
REFLECTIONS:
I think that Mr Song is an extremely benevolent man and these ex-offenders are very lucky to have met him and received his help. Although Mr Michael Song has played a big part in helping these ex-offenders turn over a new leaf, I feel that they have also helped themselves a lot. Even if Mr Song gave them a lot of help and encouragement, if they did not want to take the chance and be determined to go straight, they would not have succeeded in becoming a better person. I want to congratulate these ex-offenders for successfully turning their lives around, and Mr Song for being such a kind-hearted man.
Sue Min
URL: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/rtrs/20101207/ttc-tech-us-cellphones-children-96247d2.html
ReplyDeleteDate: 7 December 2010
Summary: This article is about how cellphones affects a child's behavior, when a pregnant mother uses it. It may affect the child's obedience and emotional issues, which in turn leads to the child misbehaving.
New phrases:
1.epidemiologist: a medical scientist who studies the transmission and control of epidemic diseases
2.skeptical: having a feeling of doubt
3.biostatistics: a branch of biology that studies biological phenomena and observations by means of statistical analysis
4.warranted: to guarantee
5.intrusive: tending to interfere
My views: The use of cellphone may harm a child in the mother's body as cellphones have electromagnetic fields and have some form of radiation. To reduce the likelihood of this happening, use a cellphone only when necessary.
The Straits Time
ReplyDeleteDate:6 December 2010
Summary:This article is about how The United States will lose their trust with the countries due to WikiLeaks releasing about the secret of diplomatic cables and that no matter what happens,countries around the world will have to consult and deal with American diplomats,scandal or no scandal.
New phrases:
1.diplomatic:connected with managing relations between countries/having or showing skill in dealing with people in difficult situations.
2.mandatory:required by law(compulsory)
3.gridlock:a situation in which people with different opinions are not able to agree with each other and so no action can be taken.
4.frivolous:silly or amusing,especially when such behaviour is not suitable/having no useful or serious purpose
5.satire:a way of criticizing a person,an idea or an instituition in which you usehumour to show their faults or weaknessess;a piece of writing that use this type of criticism.
My views:America may be the boss,but soon some other country will take over as boss as Mr Obama spends too much time on stuff at the wrong time and thus may bring the downfall of America.
By:Koh Tiak Howe
The Straits Times - Prime News
ReplyDelete9 December 2010
Stress may turn youngsters into video game addicts
Summary: This article is about the Singapore's first comprehensive study of video game addiction and the cause and reason of various percentage.
New Phrases Learnt:
~Alarmingly
~Deemed addicts cut off classes to play
~Pathological
~Sanguine
Reflection:
I feel that some youngsters did not turn into video games addicts because of stress but because of influence from bad companies. Playing video games sometimes might help to get away with our stress but getting hooked to video games can lead to playing truant and even to not doing our homework or work. Getting addicted to video games not only worries our relatives but also sometimes affects our mindset and even our behaviour. This isn't a good thing to know. I feel that we should practise self-control and not get hooked to video games.
URL:http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_610780.html
ReplyDeleteDate:5 December 2010
Summary:The Bedok Town Council had cheered residents when they told them that they were going to upgrade the estates.Now the buildings were upgraded and their business had been upgraded.
New Phrases:
-facelift
-cheered him up
-Revitalisation
Reflection: I think there should be more upgrades to Singapore so that Singaporeans can be happy staying in Singapore and will not migrate to other countries. If many of the Singaporeans do that, Singapore's population will definitely decrease.
URL:http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20101210/tap-us-philippines-migrants-justice-sent-5cc1ef8.html
ReplyDeleteDate:11 December 2010
Summary:A Florida couple was sentenced to several years in prison Friday for exploiting dozens of Filipino migrants they lured with lies and forced to work under threat in service jobs in Florida.
New words/phrases:
-under threat
-conspiring
-incur debts
-recruitment
-exploited
Reflection:I think what the Florida couple done was wrong.They exploited human beings for their own financial gain.How would the couple feel if they are being used by some other people for money?
14 December 2010
ReplyDeleteToday Paper
Woman who survived 12-floor fall into pool " a rare case"
Summary: A lady called Zhou Zhi Hui survived after plunging 12 stories into a swimming pool.She suffered only bruises after her fall from a condominium balcony at Jalan Datoh.Investigations into her case are ongoing.
New words/Phrases:
-impact
-phenomenon
-internal
-foetal
Reflection: I think that this lady had nine lives. According to the article, the reports shown that people who jump down from the 4th story would normally die, while this lady survived a 12 story fall. But I think that she jump down the building for no valid reasons like fire or what, she shouldnt jump down. If it is a case of suicide, just jumping down and die wouldnt help if she had difficulties. Life is precious, and not all people are as lucky as her.
I meant * if she jump down the building
ReplyDeleteDecember 15th, 2010
ReplyDeleteHousewife glues her eyes shut after pharmacy mix-up
URL:http://sg.yfittopostblog.com/2010/12/15/housewife-glues-her-eyes-shut-after-pharmacy-mix-up/
Summary: Madam Pang went to visit an eye specialist in NUH and was given a dental paste by the pharmacy staff instead of an eye gel prescribed by the specialist. As she could not read English, she was not able to identify the mistake, she applied the dental paste in her eyes, causing her eyelids to stick together. Luckily, her eyes recovered. The hospital apologized for the mistake.
New phrases/words:
-dispensed
-adhesive
-abrasion
-inflammation
Reflection: The pharmacy staff should be more vigilant when dispensing medicine to the patients. As patients, wewe should check the medicine properly before we apply or take it. For those who could not understand English, they should get someone's help to check.
URL:http://sg.yfittopostblog.com/2010/12/19/man-eaten-alive-by-crocodile-in-malaysia/
ReplyDeleteDecember 19 2010
Man eaten by 20m crocodile
Summary: At Kuching, Malaysia, a 66year old man was eaten by a 20m long crocodile when he went fishing in a river near his house. the villagers saw his body inside the crocodile's mouth but could not do anything to help.A rescue team was sent to search for the crocodile, but they could not find him.
New phrases/words:
-immerse: soak, go inside water
-comprising of: a group of
-longboat: a long boat
Comments: I think it is treacherous for such an old man to go fishing himself. One of his family members or friends should accompany him if something happens. During fishing on boats, it is also safer to be equipped with a weapon just in case of a shark attack or any thing else.
URL:http://sg.news.yahoo.com/ann/20101224/tap-man-stabs-wife-208-times-and-then-ju-b65e254.html
ReplyDeleteDecember 23 2010
Zsa Zsa Gabor's husband glues own eye shut
Summary:Zsa Zsa Gabor's husband,Prince Frederic Von Anhalt,mistakenly picked up a bottle of nail glue he mistook for eye drops and sealed his eye shut. He then undergoes a procedure at a Beverly Hills clinic to unstick his eye.
New phrases/words:
-of yore
-administer
-rites
-socialite
Comments:I think that we should be more careful in everything that we do so that we could aviod any unnecessary accidents. Prince Frederic Von Anhalt should be more careful and should place his eye drops at a particular place where he would remember so that he would not mistaken his eye drops for any other things.
Title: More harrowing tales of maid abuse from Saudi Arabia
ReplyDeleteURL: http://www.asianewsnet.net/home/news.php?id=15653
Date: 23 November 2010
Summary: Many maids in Saudi Arabia complained about the hard labour they received from their employers. One of them said that her employer did not want to give her money for 9 years and when she asked him for money, he said that it was already in her bank. Another one was partially paralyzed due to the back-breaking work that the family asked her to do.
New phrases:
-back-breaking work
-Indonesian consulate
-seek redress
-consulate
-accused of inflicting serious burns and cuts
-sweeping raids against
-already barred
-spate of
-the latter
-50,400 Saudi riyals
Reflections:
I think that maid abuse is VERY VERY wrong. Maids are humans too. They should be treated well and fairly. It doesn't mean that if they are working for us, they could be treated as lower life forms. What's more, the maids are away from their family and have gone to different countries to look for jobs to earn a living as well as to support their poor families. The employers have no right to abuse the maids, even though they are not as fortunate as us. THEY SHOULD BE TREATED EQUALLY!
By: Victoria Chan ^^
URL:http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_618922.html
ReplyDeleteTitle:Parents sue doc, KKH over teen's death
December 30 2010
Summary:The parents of Yuanchi, a teenage leukaemia patient who died five days after he was admitted into KK Hospital, are sueing the hospital and doctor for not treating their son earlier as he was also battling a bacteria infection.
New phrases:
-alleged negligence
-appropriate treatment
-disputing the claims
-mounting their defence
-slated for chemotherapy
Reflections:
I think that the doctor should have treated Yuanchi's infection a lot earlier. Without the infection, Yuanchi's leukaemia can be treated and he might not have died. I think Yuanchi's parents are right to sue the hospital and especially the doctor.
Title: Parents sue doc, KKH over teen's death.
ReplyDeleteDate : 30 December 2010 [The Straits Times: Home]
Summary: Cao Yuanchi, at the age of 14, died from massive bleeding in the brain cause by leukemia. Before his death, he was also fighting a bacteria infection. Because of him having the bacteria infection, he could not be treated by the doctor. The late treatment had caused his death. Yuanchi's parents then decided to sue the hospital and the doctor.
New Phrases:
-Alleged Negligence
-Disputing the Claims
-Mounting Their Defence
-Acute Promyeloctic Leukemia (APL)
-All-Trans Retinoic Acid
-Amicably resolved
-Inherent Risks
Reflection:
I think that the doctor should have paid most attention at Yuanchi, so that immediate decision for treatments for his illness can be treated appropriately. They should have done more to treat his illness so as to prevent his death. His parents have the right to sue both the hospital and the doctor, with a arguable compensation.
Tittle: Boy's roller coaster ride in primary school
ReplyDeleteDate: 26 December 2010
Section: Home
Summary: Muhammmad Iskandar Abdul Razak was demoted from P5 to P2 last year after his school discovered that he could neither read nor write. But when he was transferred to a new school earlier this year, he was promoted back to P5. And, despite the odds, he managed to pass one of his subjects at P5 and is now promoted to P6.
Good words/phrases:
- despite the odds
- struggled with his studies
- attained
- tremendous improvement
- credited his turnaround to
Reflections:
I feel that the school should have discovered that there was a problem with him earlier, instead of promoting him systematically, then demoting him after a few years.
URL:http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20101231/tap-health-china-food-safety-rice-8d4ea94.html
ReplyDeleteTitle: Rice noodles prompt latest China food scare
Date:1 January 2011
Summmary: In the recent weeks, large amounts of tainted rice noodles are being sold in South China. The cost-conscious producers used bleach on the rotting rice and used carcinogenic additives such as sulphur dioxide and other substances to stretch one pound of grain into three pounds of noodles. This food processing method used to make the tainted noodles were spreading to other regions as an accepted way to cut costs.
Good words/phrases:
-carcinogenic (can cause cancer)
-cost-conscious (alert of the money spent)
-bleaching (whitening something by sunlight or chemical process)
-wholesalers (people selling things at large quantities)
-gear up for (prepare for)
-wary (cautious)
-contaminated (infected)
-laced with (mixed with)
Reflections:
I think that the manufacturers should not do this even though it saves them money. Their act can kill people, bringing grief to their families and friends. Furthermore, the money cannot bring back the deaths of these people. Thus, I hope that the Chinese government will stop this malicious act and sue the manufacturers' companies so as to prevent more deaths. As the saying goes, 'Money is the root of all evil.'
Posted on behalf of Kenneth Sugiarto
URL:http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20101209-251723.html
ReplyDeleteTitle:Man slashed in Yishun over missing handphone
Date:9 december 2010
Summary:
Three teenage suspects, aged 13, 15 and 18, were arrested yesterday for slashing a 23-year-old-man at Block 362 Yishun Ring Road Thursday evening.
A police spokesman told AsiaOne a dispute over a missing handphone is believed to be the cause of the slashing.
According to online reports, the victim was attacked by two youths on a motorcycle.
The victim later fled the scene, leaving a trail of blood from injuries to the head and arms.
Police investigations are ongoing.
Good phrases acquired:
fled the scene
ongoing
sought
dispute
Comments:I feel that we should not senselessly kill or harm others just because of a trivial matter.Also,i feel that the Singapore Police Force should quickly solve the problem of youth gangs and secret societies as they are a threat to Singapore"s security.
Posted on behalf of Jia Rong
No rush to military intervention in Ivory Coast
ReplyDeleteBy Mark Doyle BBC News, Abidjan
"We are pursuing the diplomatic path where possible", said Ouattara spokesman and minister-in-waiting Patrick Achi.
"But it seems that former President Gbagbo doesn't want to listen to the world - so the possibility of using force, as suggested by West African countries, is also on the table".
However, there are several reasons why a West African military intervention could be a long way off - if it happens at all.
West African nations, usually led by regional giant Nigeria, have mounted military interventions under the banner of "Ecomog" (Economic Community Monitoring Group) before.
But they have always been in much smaller countries than Ivory Coast where the governments in place wanted the foreign soldiers to come.
In Sierra Leone and Liberia, for example, Ecomog troops arrived when the governments there were besieged by rebels - but, crucially, still in control of the main ports and airports so the outside forces could arrive and take up positions relatively easily.
In Ivory Coast, the man still in charge of the army, the main airports and the seaports, Laurent Gbagbo, is violently opposed to any intervention.
And it seems most unlikely Ecomog would try to force its way in. The armies of the region don't have enough of the equipment or military intelligence necessary for such a "hot assault".
It is not that the skills of ordinary West African soldiers are in question. Many of the infantry (or ground troops) from Ghana, for example, or Senegal, are trained to world standards.
But the kind of operation necessary to take control of a large country like Ivory Coast quickly would require sophisticated attack helicopters in big numbers, satellite tracking gear and highly mobile forces with state-of-the-art weapons systems.
Some Ecomog-contributing countries have some of this type of kit - but probably not enough. Poor airlift capacity has always been a weakness of most African armies.
Most African countries also lack the special forces and on-the-ground military intelligence that would allow them to track and target the physical and personal centres of Mr Gbagbo's power base.
In addition, Ecomog has only been successful in most of its operations when it has been supported by outside forces.
The UN and Britain helped Ecomog in Sierra Leone, for example, and the United States assisted with training and equipment in Liberia.
The obvious candidate to help in Ivory Coast would be France, which has 900 highly trained soldiers based near Abidjan airport.
The official role of these troops is to be the Rapid Reaction Force of the United Nations peacekeeping force in Ivory Coast.
However, if soldiers from the former colonial power France joined forces with anyone to take Ivory Coast by force it would be political dynamite.
It would very likely cause an explosion of popular opposition in areas loyal to Mr Gbagbo and risk leading to the deaths of many thousands of people.
Other political considerations are regional.
In some West African nations it would be unpopular for the leadership to send its soldiers into danger for the sake of democracy in a far-off land.
Although, these days most West African leaders are elected to office, some have better democratic credentials than others.
In some countries it would be seen as gross hypocrisy for a dubiously elected leader to send soldiers to Ivory Coast to enforce a democratic process.
Finally, in the key state of Nigeria, presidential elections will be held in 2011.
Few Nigerian politicians would openly defend sending Nigerian soldiers to war in Ivory Coast.
The politicians know that Nigerian voters are only too aware of the many problems in their own country.
Returning body bags don't usually help political campaigns.
New words/phrases I’ve learnt:
ReplyDeleteOn the table
Regional giant
Power base
Political dynamite
Candidate
Comments: I am not supportive of foreign troops using force to control Ivory Coast’s political situation. It just brings up more and more trouble. You can’t just care about which guy gets to be the president. The Ivoirians’ lives are more important. When all those military people march into Ivory Coast, it is unavoidable that Ivoirians (and also the foreign troops, whose lives are also very important) will (at least) take casualties. Also, there are risks of troops not being able to throw Gbagbo out of the country, as the former president still has the control of the nation’s armed forces. All in all, I hope that all those violence and chaos will end as soon as possible in Ivory Coast.
Li Zhijian