Girl, 12, dead at HDB block

A 12-year-old girl was found dead at the foot of Block 573 in Hougang Street 51 on Wednesday morning. She is believed to have been murdered, said police.

Investigations are ongoing into the case, which police have classified as murder.

The girl, said to have weak arms and legs, was believed to have fallen from the fourth floor early on Wednesday morning.

Police said they were alerted to the motionless body at the foot of the block at about 6.05am. The girl was pronounced dead by paramedics at about 6.20am.

Neighbours said she suffered from weak arms and legs and have to be supported by a maid when moving around. She also attended a special school.

The maid, the prime suspect of the murder, was sleeping at home when police approached the girl's house later that day. She has already been detained for further interrogation.

The article appealed to me as I wanted to know what happened to the girl, who died at such a young age. Also, murder cases have been occurring rather frequently for the past month, which has definitely raised my concerns.

I would like the writer to include the specific details about the deceased's family members and how they are coping with the girl's death.

If I was in control of the situation, I would definitely not resort to killing to solve problems.

China talent show beauty dies during plastic surgery

Wang bei, who is a former contestant of “super girl”, china’s version of America’s “American idol”, died on November 15 while she was having a “facial bone grinding” surgery. It stated that she died of an “anaesthetic accident” during the surgery. Her jaw suddenly started bleeding during the procedure, blocking her windpipe causing difficulty in breathing. Wang Bei’s mother was having similar surgery when Wang Bei died.

This has sparked concerns regarding the dangers of plastic surgery in a country of 3 million people undergoing the surgery knife each year. In response to this incident, a professor of plastic surgery at Guangdong Medical college warn people to be wary of untrained doctors carrying out plastic surgery as a result of an increase in demand for cosmetic surgery. With this incident, the Ministry of Health ordered increase supervision in the industry.

This article appealed to me because being a girl, I am interested in this kind of story. The title stated china talent show “beauty” so I was wondering why she had plastic surgery.

I was not really happy with what the ministry of health has said. He said to “increase supervision” in the industry but he did not really gave the public an answer. He just brushed the public off saying that he would “increase supervision” however, not stating how he would supervise the industry. 

I would like to ask the writer to talk more about Wang Bei’s mother view regarding this issue as the writer did not provide any information with regards to Wang Bei’s mother. 

If I was in charge of the situation, I would employ police force to raid clinics, verifying if the doctors are certified to perform surgery. Or I would put up advertisements encouraging people not to have plastic surgery as it is dangerous.

Scientists dig below Dead Sea for slice of Earth's history

Summary

An international team of scientists drilled deep below the Dead Sea to examine the layers of sediment left behind beneath the lowest place on Earth over the course of million of years, providing clues about shifting weather patterns, seismic activity and climate change. Once extracted, the layer-cake of soil will be subjected to high-resolution examination by scientists from fields ranging from climate science to chemistry for clues about Earth's changing environment. Details about severe weather or major seismic activity could even provide insight into human migration in and out of the region.

Appeal to me

The heading attracts me immediately as it is known that the article is somehow about the discovery of  new substances under the deep dead sea and people would always like to see the results with curiosity from the scientists (including me).

Agree

The idea of exploring the deepest under the sea is remarkable and significant for us because natural resources are exactly what we lacking now. Majority of people take it for granted and never thought about losing it one day. Therefore, their researches will definitely contribute to our future benefits.

Questions

Why the scientists concentrates more on discovering the new substances rather than protecting the environment and maximizing their knowledge in making use of what we have now? I do not mean that we should not do mining, but bear in mind that natural resources would be run out one day if we still damage the environment without taking actions.


If I were in control

I would like to use the natural resources wisely and efficiently if found any because they are far precious than monetary value, like experiment them to look for alternatives and store up temporarily. In addition, attempt to minimize wastage is very important and the developed as well as developing countries practice that also. We all should realize that the Earth that we are leaving is no longer "healthy". The movie "2012" does make sense in a way.

Rice bread baking device a hit

Summary

A home bread making machine that grinds rice and bakes a loaf of fresh bread at the push of a button is now very popular in Japan. Despite a hefty price of around 50,000 yen (S$782), Sanyo Electric Co said that orders for its bread maker were likely to hit 58,000 by the end of the month of launching. Users just need to put ordinary washed rice and other ingredients in the machine and press the start button. The machine does the rest, from milling the rice to the kneading, rising and baking. Food analyst Hisao Nagayama attributed it to changing eating habits for the Japanese - a trend towards more Western food and busy lives that make it harder to find the time to cook rice, consumption of which has gone down.

Appeal to me

I am fascinated by food; bread is one of my favourite! I would like to read on anything about food and cooking actually makes our life interesting when we put our best efforts to prepare a meal.

Agree

I agree with the food analyst Hisao Nagayama's point of view that the consumption of rice is going to a decline as people are getting busier due to work and fast-paced lifestyle in now generation. Hence, fast food is very ordinary and bread becomes the best food to substitute for rice as the European countries have been consuming bread or potato since years ago.

Questions

Why consumers are willing to pay a big sum for a rice bread baking machine? I think S$782 is really expensive and families that are earning middle income would not spend the sum on this high-technology device. However some people may not consider about the price as they appreciate the luxury that producer brings to consumers and money are meant to spend it ultimately.

If I were in control

Since demand exceeds supply, I would produce more rice baking machines in terms of colours and appearance. Export trading may boost the sales also as people always feel good about the Japanese products and the trend of high-tech goods would be continued on in the next 10 ,20 or even uncounted years.

Women better at cheating - Dion Sng

This news article is taken from Straits Times Online (Tech and Science). It was published on 26 November 2010.

According to British newspaper Daily Star. Women who cheat are less likely to get caught by their partners than men. Nearly one in five unfaithful men get busted, while only 15 per cent of women are found out.

Base the survey, nearly one in 10 men who had previously cheated had been involved in several affairs, while less than half that number of women are repeatedly unfaithful.
The paper further reported that women are most likely to cheat if they are unhappy in their relationship. But men start flings simply because they like another woman.

This article appeal to me as I am curious why women better at cheating.

From my point of view, I disagree nor agree as i felt that married couple should have mutual trust, understanding, spend quality time together, meeting each other needs, be more courteous with each other, using the "I" and instead of "U", creative ideas to spice up relationship.

Through this way, Relationship between married couples will be everlasting!

Dion Sng 29November2010

Bunny-crushing videos stir Chinese online anger

Summary:

This article is about a group of "crush fetishists" causing an online storm in China after uploading graphic videos showing attractive young Chinese women crushing small rabbits.


The girls in the videos covered a bunny with a plate of glass and sat on it for about a minute. She then lifted the glass up to reveal the lifeless bunny and blood oozed from its snout. A rodent was crushed by the high heels that she was wearing and kittens were also among the animals abused in the videos.


The videos had sparked a heated response from Web users, who launched what is known in China as a "flesh search". One chat room entry on the popular portal Net Ease said "it is hard to imagine someone could be so perverted."Another said "Flesh-search them! Uncover these rabbit abuse women and spit on them."


Animal-crush videos were sold to fetishists in search of a sexual thrill. China's censors have in recent years carried out a much-publicised crackdown, saying that it is a proliferation of vulgar online content.

Article appeals to me:

It attracts me because I think animal abuses have been a big issue over almost a decade, some cases are reported like this article but, many are unattended. I wonder people are being serious about the issue, yet people are not really aware and continue their destruction.

Questions: 

I have questions for the "fetishists". What if people do this to you? Crushing not only your favourite things, but ruining your life and making you dislikable and abominable? This is very selfish and the fetishists are mentally abnormal. Animals have the chance to continue their lives and we are not suppose to control them. Self-satisfaction is not an excuse for your cruel action, and basically animal abusers may need to pay for his/her own act via fining or caning even sentence nowadays.

If I were in control:

What the China government did is not sufficient to prevent animal abuses. I think they should practically show the people that they are very serious about it by setting up more organizations on prevention of animal abuses and  lecture the people that animals actually brings happiness to us and their accompanies are particularly important to those who are more diffidence and not comfortable of socialization. Probably students can be instilled the ideas of stopping animal abuses easily since they tend to feel a greater affection for the animals than the adults do.

FB makes people more social - Dion Sng

This news article is taken from Straits Times Online (Tech and Science). It was published on 25 November 2010.

It is reported that common belief social media websites such as Facebook do not weaken personal ties, they strengthen them in unique ways for different age groups, according to a new study.

The rapid spread of Facebook, which has more than 500 million users worldwide, has prompted concerns about its negative effects, but researchers at the University of Texas have reached a different conclusion. In fact, they believe there is sufficient evidence that social media afford opportunities for new expressions of friendship, intimacy and community. S. Craig Watkins, an associate professor of radio, TV and film who headed the research team.

He added that increased use of Facebook brings additional challenges as young adults are forced to adapt their Facebook behaviour to an increasingly large social circle. Mr Watkins said that Facebook brings all different networks and social scenes together. Present ourselves in different ways, whether to friends, co-workers, or family.

This article appeal to me as I am a facebook user. I agree with Mr Watkins that it is true that Facebook brings all walks of life and different races together. As a Facebook user, I felt that Facebook has expanded my social life, building greater bonds and relationships with friends through social media, the power to share, keep up on what my friends are doing and sharing my everyday life!

Dion Sng 25November2010

MOE scholar's Shocking Act . By Clement Tay

A scholarship from the Ministry of Education (MOE) to study in a oversea university is a once in a lifetime offer . How many student would kill for that chance , I know I would . (  Just Kidding ,  it is a figure of speech)

 Now revoked for possesion of Child pornography , no one would believe that it would happend to a  third-year history major at the University of York . Imagine my shock when it is the front page of the newspaper .

Twenty-three-year-old  JonathanWong could be facing more than a year in jail after the magistrate's court in York decided that its maximum sentencing power of 12 months in prison was insufficient and committed him instead to the York Crown Court where he will be sentenced on Dec 13.

The case came to light after fellow students became suspicious about audio files on the university's internal network, and alerted campus authorities, who traced the files to Wong .Officers then raided Wong's home and took away his laptop and computer hard drive.

After reading this news , I felt digusted . Watching normal pornography is a quite okay in my view , let's face it , we are guys . I understand that , we go through a certain hormones changes . If you are a girl reading this , please understand us boys . If you are a man/boy and u insist you never felt attracted to pornography in your entire life , don't kid yourself . Don't kid me , you are not fooling anyone . Sexual behavior is one of basic human needs , it is found under physiological needs . Don't believe me ? U can google or wiki it .

Back to this news , I just wanted to know why he is attracted to child  pornography . Could it be that he was sexually abused when he was a child therefore developing this sick attraction ? Even so , he should not download it to his computer , it is illegal . Watching NORMAL Pornography is fine with singapore's government but once you download it , it is a no - no . Another no - no is the child pornography , you know  is a offence by just imagining it , it is sick .

His scholarship is now revoked and it wouldn't surprise me if he gets himself into jail . But there are some kind souls in singapore who cried foul on his potential sentence to jail . " Give him another chance," they say. Really ? The MOE already did . Jonathan was caught in his secondary school days for peeping in a primary school's girl restroom . He was only canned and all was forgiven , thus earning his scholarship . Second chance ? Nope , it would be third chance and who is to say he wouldn't commit this sickening act himself oneday ?

You really cross the line , Mr Wong .....


Reporter : Clement Tay of Awesome 5 News

Jailed for hiding JI leader - Dion Sng

This news article is taken from Straits Times Online. It was published on 22 November 2010.

MAS Selamat Kastari, who managed to evade the massive island-wide manhunt for two days after his escape from the Whitley Road Detention Centre, sought shelter at his brother Asmom's home in Tampines for a night on Feb 29, 2008, and headed across the Causeway.

THREE relatives of Mas Selamat Kastari have been jailed for harbouring the Jemaah Islamiah(JI) leader after he had escaped from Whitley Road Detention Centre on Feb 27, in 2008.

Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam revealed in Parliament that Mas Selamat had stayed overnight at the Tampines home of Asmom, the fugitive's brother.

While there, Asmom, his wife Aisah and daughter Nur Aini helped Mas Selamat in various ways, including giving him money, providing him food and helping him disguise himself as a woman to evade detection.

The three were jailed for 12 months, three months and 18 months respectively for harbouring a prisoner of State, an offence under Section 130 of the Penal Code.

This article appealed to me as i wonder how Mas Selamat seek for refuge after the escape. I agree with Mr Shanmugam that this story reinforce how important it is for every Singaporean to unite as one and assist the security agenices to overcome the threat of terrorism instead of rendering help to the terrorist like what Mas Selamat Relatives' did.

If i am in control of the situation; i would confiscate Mas Selamat Relatives' flats, impose a heavy fine, jailed them for 30 years of rendering help to terrorist.

From my heartfelt opinon, as Singaporean's, we should unite as one to stay vigilant, assisting police whenever needed. If everyone follow Mas Selamat Relatives' footsteps, Singapore will be no longer a safe country to live in.

Dion Sng 22November2010

Poison gas fears stall New Zealand mine rescue

Pike River coal mine located in New Zealand had an explosion, emitting poisonous or combustible gases, made it difficult for rescue teams to enter the coal mine to save 29 missing men. The rescue team hopes to enter the coal mine when collected air sample is analysed to be cleared of poisonous gas. Otherwise, it would be dangerous for the rescue team as a mixture of subterranean gases and coal dust would trigger another explosion. 29 missing people is said to be between the ages of 17-62 years old.

News of the explosion only arrived when communication was lost with the miners and an electrician was sent to check things out had discovered a worker lying on the ground.
In aid of the search team, Australia had sent special equipments to test the gas levels in the mine and Australia’s Prime Minister Julia Gillard said that the government would assist them if they require assistance.

However, the cause of the explosion was unknown as the day shift people did not report any problems. 

The article appealed to me as I saw the title “poison gas fears stall New Zealand mine rescue” so I was curious wanting to find out more about the incident.

I would like to ask the writer to talk more about the cause of the incident as he just briefly talked about the causes of the explosion

If I was in charge of the situation, I would have some people guarding outside the mine so that they would know if something bad had happened instead of communicating through devices. However, if I was the search commander controlling the situation, I would do the same thing as the search commander not to dispatch the rescue team without proving that its save for them to enter.

Asian families struggle to support children, parents: study- choo hui yen

According to a study recently, more Asian families find it difficult to support their family which consists on their children and ageing parents. Now, with a high percentage of literacy rates among women, they are now conceiving at a later age as compared to the past years. This resulted in an increased number of “sandwich generation” according to the study by Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).

One in five working people between the ages of 30-45 years old facing financial difficulty to support 2 generations in the family are referred to as sandwich generation. They are usually married with one or two children and parents or parents-in-law to support. While they have to pay for children’s education fees, health care expenses for elderlys are also an issue, especially countries with weak social security systems.

However, the good news is that filial piety remains strong in Asia, a strong percentage of 78 agreed that it is their responsibility for look after their aged parents.

The article appealed to me as it applies to my father who is now supporting my siblings and his parents-in-law.

I disagree with the writer as he/she seem not to believe people are unable to cope with supporting their family as he/she says ‘More than a third -- 36 percent -- of them say they are "struggling to cope" with the demands of supporting both children and ageing parents’. Noting that struggling to cope is with inverted commas. 

I would like to ask the writer why is the study is only conducted in Asia as other country might also be struggling to cope financially.

If I was in charge of the situation, I would impose lesser tax to those people that is in need to support their family.

Yet another Knife attack at Ang Mo Kio - Kelvin Lee

Summary
Police arrested a 17-year-old yesterday in connection with a slashing incident outside a fast-food outlet in Ang Mo Kio on Thursday - the latest to involve teenagers carrying knives in public.

The two youths, who knew each other, got into a dispute at Block 448, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10 at about 7pm. One whipped out a knife and slashed the other on his right arm in front of shocked patrons at the fast-food restaurant. The victim is also 17.

The slashing came after a 19-year-old student was hacked to death last month in Downtown East in a gang-related attack, and a separate incident earlier this month where seven people were attacked by a group armed with parangs in Bukit Panjang. More recently, two teenagers were charged in court on Monday with possession of choppers at the Costa Sands Resort in Pasir Ris.

The spate of incidents has raised concern among parents, lawyers and policymakers over whether there is a need to regulate the sale of knives.

This article does not appeal to me, but rather, it raises my concerns a little. I'm really astonished at the fact that these youths resort to these kind of foolish actions at such a tender age. They should have thought of the consequences they had to face before doing such unnecessary acts.

I do agree with the last paragraph of this article, included by the writer, that sales of knives should probably be regulated for the safety of citizens. There are already more than one repercussions of such incidents and these matters should not be taken lightly as it concerns life and death.

If I were in charge/in control of the situation, I would surely not have drawn out any weapons to hurt the other party, but rather, attempt to settle any issues(if any) amiciably. Hurting others with weapons is a serious offence and I would not want to get myself into trouble that is uncalled for.

Teen regrets 'O' Level Tweet - Kelvin Lee

Summary
The teenager who tweeted a photo of his 'O' Level exam paper just 13 minutes before the start of the examination, now regrets his actions.

The tech savvy 16-year-old, Xavier Ong from Outram Secondary School, received much attention from local and global Twitter users after he posted a picture of his 'O' Level Social Studies exam paper on Twitter on Nov 8 2010.

In the tweet, Xavier wrote, 'Do you dare bring a phone into examination hall and take a picture?'. Members of the online community debated about the appropriateness of his actions once the post made it to citizen journalism website STOMP. Xavier did not think that his tweet would get so much attention and regrets sending a video to STOMP, explaining how it all happened.

After his meeting with SEAB on Thursday, Xavier posted another video on Youtube, explaining what happened during the meeting. Despite his notoriety, this self-confessed social media addict has not slowed down in using social media. He continues to blog, tweet as well as using Facebook and Youtube.

This article appealed to me as I did not expect anyone to do something as ridiculous as this just to attract negative attention from others. After all, 'O' Levels is an important exam for tertiary education and it should be taken seriously.

If I were in charge/in control, I would surely not have done the same as this student. 'O' levels is just too important to be taken lightly as it determines the path of ur further educations. Being already 16 years of age, I believe this student should have been mature enough to be sensible and not do such silly stuffs. He could have been potentially ruining his future with this incident.

Police vow to act on gangs -Dion Sng

This news article is taken from Straits Times Online. It were published on 12 November 2010.

Crackdown on youth gangs;

POLICE warned youth offenders involved in violent crimes that they will not be treated lightly simply because of their age, and vowed to deal with all gang behavior 'firmly and decisively'.

Police said they conduct regular enforcement rounds on the ground to flush out out gang activities. Once detected, the Secret Societies Branch would step in to investigate the extent of gang involvement by each member.

Following recent incidents, police have picked up 40 suspects in an island-wide and will continue to target gang-related activity.

The Police said that they will deal with all gang behaviour firmly and decisively and are also using preventing and proactive strategies to deal with street gangs, including giving talks to secondary school students and other rehabilitative programmes.

If i am in control of the situation, i will do the same and also creating public awareness by using various form of media such as placing more advertisment at bus-stop and television advertisement.

Dion Sng 18November2010

A haunt of rowdy teens -Dion Sng

This news article is taken from Straits Times Online. It were published on 12 November 2010.

A haunt of rowdy teens ; Fights and drinking continue despite all efforts. This article capture my attention after recent gang attacks at downtown east and Fews weeks later, a gang fight took place at Bukit Panjang.

A youth hub in Fajar Road comprising soccer, basketball courts and a barbecue pit is popular with some teenagers bent on making a nuisance of themselves and has been increasingly giving residents more problems than joy.

If i were in charge/in control, i will implement more police patrol at night, Creating public awareness for gang related, a neighbourhood watch group to look out and stay vigilant for gang related.

Dion Sng 18November2010