Natural Disasters

Just imagine the chaotic scene of the aftermath of a natural disaster. How would it be like? In what ways could a natural disaster affect a country and its citizens? I will be discussing all of these in this blog post.
The aftermath of the disaster - have you ever wondered how it is like, or are we all the same - taking our safe location for granted? When signs of natural disasters appear, people will instinctively evacuate themselves from their houses. Then when the disaster itself strikes, they will start screaming and running for dear life. Imagine people pushing and jostling each other to be the first to reach safety. The natural disaster in any form - tornadoes, volcano eruptions, tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes, flood - usually demolishes homes and buildings. The tons of falling rubble normally ends up crushing poor people who are unable to escape in time or trapping people still in their houses. After the chaotic disaster occurrence, another phase of disorder takes place.
People start to climb back into what is left of their homes in hope of salvaging valuables or rescuing loved ones still trapped inside. Only when you are at the scene would you really know how chaotic the aftermath of a natural disaster is.
In what ways could a natural disaster affect a country and its citizens? These are the main reasons:

1. There will most probably be many casualties or people injured.
2. Many people will be homeless because the disaster had destroyed their homes.
3. There is a chance of people getting "a little insane" because of post-traumatic disorder.

I feel that we should all treasure what luck we have now (our country is not attacked by natural disasters) and do not take it for granted.

Arts - Essence of Life

Arts are the essence of life. Why do I say so? Hmm ... probably because art appeals to the senses or emotions of we humans and probably because I love art.

Art makes people happier, and happiness is one of the most important factors in life. A simple piece of art, like a painted piece of paper, can be humorous or cheerful, thus making people happier.

Art connects us to our past and helps us imagine new possibilities for the future. The arts have served us well throughout history, by connecting our imaginations with the realities of human existence.

Art are works up the mind's creativity. When you a given a piece of plain paper, you need to use your imagination and creativity to transform that blank piece of paper into a piece of art.

Here's a quote by Abraham Maslow:

"I think that the arts are so close to our psychological and biological core, so close to this biological identity, that rather than think of arts courses as sort of whipped cream or luxury, they must become basic experiences in education." -Abraham Maslow

Well, in conclusion, I think that art is definitely the essence of life.

Stem Cell Research

Stem cell research is as a method to treat diseases and illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, strokes, Parkinson’s disease and numerous others. It is so because stem cells have the potential to develop into many different cell types in the body and is able to divide to replace other dead cells.
I personally feel that using stem cells to save people is agreeable, but of course everything has its own risks:

• Firstly, destruction of blastocysts. The use of embryo stem cells for stem cell research involves the destruction of blastocysts formed from laboratory-fertilized human embryo eggs. Some people might believe that life begins at conception (pregnancy), the blastocysts are human life forms and to destroy them is immoral, cruel and downright grotesque.
• Secondly. the unknown effects of nature. Who knows what unknown effects nature might have in stall for us? The stem cells may not be used to the patient's body and thus might damage the patient. There is also a possibility of negative long-term effects.

However, if people are all willing to take a risk to obtain an opportunity to live longer, then I have no objections. After all, we humans have always dreamt of living longer, perhaps even like gods or immortals, don't we?
Life is invaluable. We all want to treasure it and mostly want to make full use of it. That is why humans are willing to dodge any obstacle, climb every mountain or cut through forests to give ourselves a hope, even a small candle flame, to live on.

Cyber Security

Cyber security.

Everybody knows what is cyber security. Or do they?

Cyber means something got to do do with the computer, right? Security means the prevention of bad stuff, yeah? It all sounds too easy.

Well, I kind of disagree. Cyber security has way more meaning to it. Why do I say that? I shall present my points to explain fully "CYBER + SECURITY = ?".

Definition of CYBER:

1. This has everything to do with technology, especially computers.


2. It is also related to using the web, or rather the Internet.


3. Lastly, it is connected to communication with the network or between computers/devices.

Definition of SECURITY:

1. "Security" means to protect something from being damaged or corrupted.


2. When used with the word "cyber", it means to prevent the files or information on your computer from being erased/deleted or corrupted/tampered with.


3. Security also means that viruses or bugs cannot penetrate into your computer/device through the Internet or corrupted disks (etc.) to damage your software.

Now, what do you think are causes of viruses attacking computers?

1. Downloading illegal stuff from illegal websites.


2. Maybe clicking on "Congratulations you are the 100th visitor! Click here to get your prize" popups.


3. Going to "not-supposed-to-see" sites.

Now you know more about cyber security. Do make use of the information in this post to protect yourself from cyber viruses or other computer-damaging stuff!

Psyched To Win

As seen on television, talented athletes always win medals or trophies either for themselves of their countries. Should talented athletes sacrifice their education to explore their full potential in the sporting arena? I will be discussing the pros and cons of this topic.
Pros of talented athletes sacrificing their education to explore their full potential in the sporting arena:

1. They will tend to concentrate more on their sporting career and thus have the time to train harder, improving their talents.
2. When the athletes train harder, they can win more medals, trophies and glory for their country.
3. For those athletes who like to show off, this is their great chance. When they win something for the country, their faces would most likely be on television or newspaper, therefore making them famous.

Cons of talented athletes sacrificing their education to explore their full potential in the sporting arena:

1. They might not be well-educated to socialize with people out there.
2. The athletes can most likely only stick to their sporting career, as they may lack the education needed to get a job in the modern world.
3. They might not be able to find a husband or wife, because nowadays people tend to marry those educated and rich people.

My thoughts of the discussion: It is not advisable for athletes to sacrifice their education to explore their full potential in the sporting arena.

Combined Sports Meet between HCI and NYGS

There was an atmosphere of pride and sportmanship today at the Combined Sports Meet between HCI (my school) and NYGS today.

Wild cheering and screaming echoed around the whole track area as the students of HCI and NYGS egged their fellow athlete schoolmates on with pride and enthusiasm. Even the pedestrians outside the school where the event was taking place at could hear their cheering.

As the runners ran, we were all screaming our heads off. When they heard our voices, they were spurred into winning the race. That shows that school spirit really helps to encourage one on.

Here's a few scenes from the Sports Meet I want to share:

1. The track. Athletes running full speed, determined to clinch a trophy or medal for their school.


2. The terraces. We, the non-competitors, were standing there, cheering till the whole clocktower of our school almost collapsed. (Although some people were busy running about, getting drinks, playing with balloons or handphone games)


3. The temporary refreshments stall. It sold drinks, crackers and ice bon-bons. (That was what partly attracted the crowd)


4. The free Milo and 100 plus vendors. (This was the most popular)

Just imagine the great atmostphere!

Urban Development VS Architectural Conservation - which is more important?

Let us start with a question yet again. Is urban development more important than architectural conservation? What are the pros and cons of architectural conservation and urban development?
What I think is that urban development and architectural conservation are both equally important.
Why I think that urban development is important:

1. it reduces time and expense in travelling and transportation while improving opportunities for jobs, education and housing.
   
2. Living in developed urban areas permit people to take advantage of the opportunities of nearness in space and time, variety, as well as marketplace contest.

Disadvantages of urban development:

1. Urban spread forms negative environmental (e.g. air pollution by factories) and public health outcomes
2. Unemployment might occur if too many talented people settle down in an urban city for jobs as the less talented might get retrenched

Why I think architectural conservation is important:

1. it helps to preserve the culture and history of the country
2. tourists may hear of the famous architectural works and come to visit, thus improving the country's economy

Having heard of my views, how about telling me your thoughts? Please comment.

Fighting the Heat

As you might know, growing environmental concerns may soon make owning and operating a car a socially irresponsible behaviour in the near future.
Why do I say this? It is simply because people now know more about global warming and pollution, and the government's influence.
Cars are environmentally unfriendly "murderers" as they produce tons of carbon monoxide which harms the ozone layer. That is why I say that owning and operating a car might become a bane and an irresponsible behaviour in the near future.
In this discussion, there will be a mini - debate between School A and School B.

• School A: growing environmental concerns may soon make owning and operating a car a socially irresponsible behaviour in the near future.
• School B: Against School A

Sch A 1st speaker: Having a car is downright irresponsible because it not only pollutes the
environment, it also harms people's health through the poisonous
gases which they breathe in.

Sch B 1st speaker: I do not agree completely with your point. Are you saying that hybrid
cars now can kill people due to the gases people breathe in?

Sch A 2nd speaker: No, that is not the case. We are saying that the gases produced by cars may
only cause some breathing problems to people in the worst case scenario, not
that people will die from those gases.

Sch B 2nd speaker: Okay. Let us not beat around the same bush. I think that cars are a great
convenience to people. Do you really imagine that people will agree to give up
their cars just for environmental issues? People nowadays do not really care
about the environment, you see.
Sch A 3rd speaker: I totally disagree with that. Now, the government is promoting the conservation of our environment by posters, advertisements, campaigns and even higher road taxes. So I trust that growing environmental concerns may soon make owning and operating a car a socially irresponsible behaviour in the near future.

Sch B 3rd speaker: Good points. Well, this debate has come to an end. Thank you.

Net - Net - Working

A social networking site focuses on building online communities of people who share interests and/or activities, or who are interested in exploring the interests and activities of others. Most social network services are web-based and provide a variety of ways for users to interact, such as web mail services.

Social networking has encouraged new ways to communicate and share information. Today, social networking websites are being used regularly by millions of people. Thus, this shows that social networking has become an integral part of a person's life.

But how can social networking site be risky? Here's a short story about how a teenager goes missing a few months after joining a social networking site:

Jason was a teenager who had many online friends in his social networking site Facebook. He spent hours on the Internet with his Facebook account every day, either chatting with his online pals about daily experiences, school work and other things or playing games with them.

One day, while Jason was on Facebook, he came across a "girl" named BlueCherry 123. He chatted with "her" and soon made friends. Curious to know more about BlueCherry 123, Jason typed:"Do u want to meet up for a movie?" To his elation, "she" replied with a 'yes'.

A week later, Jason was ready to meet BlueCherry 123 for a movie. He told his mother that he would be going out with his friend for a movie and then left the house. That was when curiosity killed the cat.

Jason did not return home that day. His parents were worried sick and informed the police. The police did all they could to trace Jason's whereabouts, but to no avail. They came up with a possible outcome: Jason was abducted by an online stranger.

Jason's parents could worry and fret all they wanted, but deep down inside, they knew that their beloved child would not be seen ever again.

Renewable Energy - permanent viable solution?

Renewable energy is energy generated from natural resources, for example: sunlight, wind, rain, tides and geothermal heat— all of these are naturally replenished.
My question would be: is renewable energy a reliable permanent solution?
I will argue my point in this discussion that it is not a good solution. Why?
Simply because of the facts: approximately 18% of global final energy consumption came from renewable sources, with 13% coming from traditional biomass, such as burning of wood. Hydroelectricity was the next largest renewable source, providing 3%, followed by solar hot water heating, which contributed 1.3%. Modern technologies, such as geothermal energy, wind power, solar power, and ocean energy together provided some 0.8% of final energy consumption. Total percentage of the energy used by humans that can be renewed: a mere 35.3%.
Thus, this has proved my point.
Now, I shall discuss about the benefits and disadvantages of depending on renewable energy sources:
Benefits of renewable energy sources:

1. It can help to be green, because it recycles some energy (obviously)

2. Energy efficiency and energy conservation can be the most cost-effective and least-polluting means of reducing our demand for energy.

3. However, energy demand cannot be eliminated completely. Thus, renewable energy can be a valuable complement to energy efficiency and conservation. Among the potential benefits of renewable energy are as stated in the next point:
   

4. More secure availability because:

• it can be produced close to point of use:

• it has multiple sources such as hydro, solar, wind, biomass, geothermal.

• Efficiency gains due to less energy consumed in transmission or transport.

• More energy dollars are retained in local or regional economy, not exported.

• Reduced pollution compared with fossil fuel sources.

The disadvantages of renewable energy:

1. Renewable energy can be very expensive at times.
2. It cannot be stored like coal and natural gas can. Storage is a huge issue because using renewable energy puts us at the sudden decision of nature. If there is no wind for a week, relying on wind power becomes a problem. If you are too far north, solar panels will only produce enough energy when the Northern Hemisphere of the planet is tilted towards the sun.
3. It is difficult to generate the quantities of electricity that are as huge as those produced by traditional fossil fuel generators. This means that we need to reduce the amount of energy we consume or simply build more energy facilities, which leads back to the first point: renewable energy can be expensive.
   

Traffic Woes

Ever been to a bustling city before? What problems have you encountered before? Probably about the traffic, I guess. Actually, traffic woes are part and parcel of a bustling city. In order for a city to be busy and well-known, many people have to travel there. Usually, people drive there. Thus, traffic woes of a busy city are formed.
In this discussion, I will be sharing with you more about traffic woes and bustling cities; their advantages, disadvantages and some extra information. Let us take a peek into the world of people who live and/or work in a busy city.
Firstly, let's talk about some advantages of a bustling city:

1. As I said above, traffic woes are part and parcel of a busy city. Traffic woes are normally inevitable for a city to be busy, crowded and well-known.
2. Busy cities are more civilized and the technology is more advanced. Rural areas' technology level is a mere drop in the ocean compared to a bustling, urban concrete jungle.
3. Busy cities promote interactions that increase productivity and toughen competition allowing only the most productive to survive.

Next, let's discuss the disadvantages of traffic woes:

1. Drivers have to wait for a long time just to reach their destination because of the traffic jam (you would not want to be a stuck in a traffic jam that takes you a quarter of your day to get through, would you?)
2. Road tax may become higher as the government wants to control the traffic flow within the city. [Just great. :( ]
3. Wasted fuel increases air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions (which may contribute to global warming) owing to increased idling, acceleration and braking. Increased fuel use may also in theory cause a rise in fuel costs.
4. It may cause stressed, depressed and frustrated motorists, encouraging road rage and reduced health of motorists.

How about that? Learned enough about traffic woes? Now here's a fun fact for you:
Longest Traffic Jam
Place: From Lyon to Paris
Date: 16 February 1980
Distance: 176 kilometres
(Must have taken numerous hours just to move a kilometer)
Any thoughts on traffic woes? Please comment.

Gaming Addiction

Game addiction, or more broadly game overuse, is excessive or compulsive use of the computer and video games that interferes with daily life. In some instances, people addicted in gaming neglected the people around them and isolated themselves from social contact.
To share a bit more of my views about gaming addiction, I have written a personal recount of a addicted gamer who regretted his behaviour after experiencing the effects of gaming addiction:

Dear journal,
When was the last time I did not sit staring at the computer screen for numerous hours? I cannot remember. When was the last time I got good results for my tests? I do not know. Why did all my friends start to neglect me? I cannot answer. Why?
Ever since my classmate John introduced me to a new online game, I have been hooked and thus played for long hours every day, locking myself in my room, except for toilet breaks or meals. In school, I ignored all my friends, even rejecting an invitation to a soccer match, my favourite sport. In class, I kept thinking of how to win the game and could not concentrate on the lesson. I remember once, my teacher called me to answer a question. I stuttered, not knowing what to say. Seeing that I was daydreaming, my teacher scolded me and made me stand outside the classroom for her whole period. Passing teachers and students stared at me as they walked by. How embarrassing!
That was just the beginning of my troubles. I usually got good grades, but suddenly they dropped. I did not know why but I did not seem to care. It must have been my gaming addiction.
Furthermore, my friends started to neglect me and my family talked less to me. Only then did I start to regret my behaviour. I should not have tried out the addicting game. Was it too late to change?
I feel lost. Hopefully I can correct my gaming behaviour and all my troubles would be gone.

A Laugh A Day Keeps The Doctor away???

You must have heard of the phrase:"An apple a day keeps the doctor away". But have you heard of this:"A laugh a day keeps the doctor away"? Sounds weird, huh? Actually, it is quite true. Research has shown health benefits of laughter ranging from strengthening the immune system to reducing food cravings to increasing one's threshold for pain. There's even an emerging therapeutic field known as humor therapy to help people heal more quickly, among other things. Humor also has several important stress relieving benefits. Basically, laughing reduces stress and depression. Amazing, huh?
Jokes play an important part is creating humor and thus helps people laugh (unless you are one of those old, glum and forever unsmiling people). Here are some football jokes for you (because I love soccer):
Nuts over EPL football
1. How do you know when you are reading the newspapers upside-down?
Ans: When Newcastle United are at the top of the league table!

2. A Manchester United fan once asked Wayne Rooney for his autograph. A week later, he asked Rooney for his autograph again. This time, Rooney got suspicious and asked,"Why do you need so many of my autographs? I thought you asked for it just last week?" The fan replies,"Oh, it is because I need 10 of yours to exchange it with one of Cristiano Ronaldo's autographs."

Hope you liked my jokes.

P.S. "An apple a day keeps the doctor away". I hate apples!