Is it morally wrong?

Yesterday I and David were talking about how to judge people are morally wrong; moreover, we have an example that if we steal stuffs from wealthy people in order to donate to poor people so is it morally wrong? Like a Robinhood. Is he morally wrong?

Please feel welcome to comment, especially Peter.

Should the law ban smoking in restaurants?

The poll for this week is a follow up from the lecture on Friday afternoon, where I argued that laws banning smoking in restaurants are immoral, and that punitively high taxes on cigarettes are unjust.

If you disagree, please feel to present your opposing argument.
If you agree, please feel free to explain why your classmates who think smoking should be banned are wrong.
Presenting your arguments here will be less formal but very useful practice for the academic writing assignment this week where you have to persuade us to agree with your proposed solution to a drug an alcohol related problem.

Relevance to this week's argumentative essay
Although my two theses are not answers to the questions on pages 224 - 227 of Hartmann (2007), they are related. More importantly, the arguments for and against exemplify an important point that is very relevant to an answer to all of Hartmann's questions; just as I was careful in the lecture to establish some basic facts: that cigarettes are deadly killers, that cigarettes are unhealthy for both smokers and those around them, and that tobacco is a highly addictive drug, so too do all of Hartmann's  questions accept that alcohol and drugs are unhealthy. That is why the  questions ask you to propose a solution: that there is a problem is already agreed to, so you do not need to present any support for that in the body of your essay, although you might like to include some shocking statistics or the like in your introduction. What your essay this week has to do is persuade us that your proposition really is an effective solution to the problem what we all agree is real; Hartmann does not ask you to persuade us that alcohol and drugs are a problem. Similarly, that cigarettes kill people is not by itself a reason to disagree with me about banning smoking or taxing them highly. My arguments accept that they are dangerous, addictive, offensive to many and generally bad news.

So, what do you think and why do you think that?

• Should cigarette smoking be legally banned in restaurants? 
• Should cigarette taxes be high enough to discourage people from smoking? 

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"Quit Now!" Lecture notes

The lecture notes I used are an online slide presentation.
To get them, send an email to peter.aua+quit@gmail.com
You will get an immediate automatic reply with the link to the presentation.
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References

Hartmann, P. (2007). Quest 2 Reading and Writing, (2nd. ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. 

What is one solution to the problem of drug addiction?

I thought that Poome asked a good question this morning, and I thought a bit more about his examples on my walk home after class. I'm not sure about Poome's idea number 1, plant trees, but his second suggestion, feed cats, seemed more promising.

At first glance, both sound perhaps a bit silly, but they can nonetheless be written up as answers to the question.

Hartmann's question, from page 227 is: "What can be done about the problem of drug addiction?" (2007). Although worded differently, all of the questions offered for you to choose from on page 224 are asking for the same thing: a solution to a drug related problem.

The thesis statement that I'm going to support in an essay is:

For reasons that may appear purely economic but are essentially humane, the sale and use of all illicit drugs should be legalised, nor is there any foundation to the too common fears that such legalisation will lead to an increase in the number of addicts.

This  is a little longer and more complex than the one I wrote up this morning because I've added a clause to directly address Bank's opposing argument. The rest of it very closely follows Hartmann's topic sentence in the example paragraph on page 27; I've just made it a bit stronger. Since I've already written the essay, I'm confident that I can provide the solid support that this thesis statement promises to deliver. If I could not have supported it, I would have changed my mind. The added complexity is what we would expect in a thesis statement compared to a topic sentence. As before, the most important elements of this answer to Hartmann's question are: 

• the topic = the sale and use of all illicit drugs
• the main idea about that topic = it should be legalised = my proposed solution (which I've pretty much copied from Hartmann). The body of the essay has to give support to persuade my readers, especially those such as Bank with strong opposing arguments, that my proposition really is a solution to the problem of drug addiction. If I can't give solidly persuasive support for my thesis, I will fail. 

Tomorrow, we will more carefully analyse Hartmann's one paragraph answer to the question.

Getting back to Poome's suggested solutions, which is why I started writing this blog post, which has wondered a little, I tried to think of some thesis statements where the proposition, what to do to achieve solve some problem, was similar to Poome's specific solutions. These are what I've come up with:

1. Since it can develop the character traits of responsibility and discipline needed to enjoy social drug use safely and responsibly, parents should give their children a pet cat or dog on the child's thirteenth birthday.
   I think that "feed cats" is a bit too narrow, and not something I would want to support as a solution to the problem of drug addiction, but it might be possible to make a reasonably persuasive case for the value of caring for a pet. Of course, it might not be possible, in which case we should drop this answer and look for a new one, such as 
2. In order to teach habits of independence, self-respect and team work, schools should regularly take students above the age of 10 on wilderness trips, which will provide them with the strength of character to say "No" to drugs.
   Again, "plant trees" did not seem promising to me, but it suggested the above, which might be supportable. I haven't done the research or given it much thought, but is does sound like a strong answer to the question. 

The meaning of solution does not include the idea that everyone else has to agree with it, or think that it might work, all that is required is that it is proposed as "a way of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation" (Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary, 1.).

What do you think of provisional thesis statements 1. and 2. above?
Do you have a more interesting solution to suggest? I mean something unexpected or surprising. If you can successfully support something that surprises or shocks, it's likely to be a very good essay.

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References

Hartmann, P. (2007). Quest 2 Reading and Writing, (2nd. ed.). New York: McGraw-Hilll.

AEP Lecture: Are laws banning smoking in restaurants just?

This is the slide presentation I used in the lecture on Friday afternoon.



You can also view "Quit Now! It's the Right Thing to Do" in your browser as a Google Presentation.

TI-the rapper in jail

This weekend was my very busy weekend. Therefore, my news summary quite delay this time. Because of my busy and stressful weekend; for this reason, I want to read some relaxing news. I started to look at the entertainment news. When I saw the title "TI sentenced to 11 months in jail for parole violation" on the BBC News website, it caught my eye when I saw his picture because I know his song but I am not a big fan of him. I don't know much about him and I don't know what happened with him, so I want to check it out. Actually, this story not very serious news because it's about an entertainer, but actually there are some serious things to think about.

The popular hip-hop singer or rapper called TI has been sentenced in his case for having the drug 'ecstacy'. He was already on probation when he was arrested again last month, so the judge sentenced him to 11 months in jail and also one year of supervised release.

The rapper begged the judge to pity him and to not send him to jail. He said, "I screwed up big time, and I'm sorry...I don't want and I don't need to sue drugs anymore. I want them out of my life". But the judge didn't feel bad for him because he has a lot of second chances already.

There are many stories in news about famous entertainers doing drugs, driving drunk, and other bad behaviors. The main issue that always comes up is "should famous people be good role models?" because many young people listen to them and watch them and admire them so much. Is it worse for someone like this do get in trouble than someone who is not famous? Is it their responsibility to be good role models or not?

I think celebrities should take some responsibility because they have a lot of influence on many people. However, I don't think it's really their responsibility to be perfect or be the best all the time. Actually, in society entertainers have too much power over young people. They know them so well, they maybe know them better than they know their own family. Parents and teachers have the real responsibility to be good role models and more important than famous people. They are the real important people It is not the celebrities' job to do that.

References

TI sentenced to 11 months in jail for parole violation. (2010, October 17). BBC News. Retrieved October 17, 2010 from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11561065

When the Beat Came in a Box

The noon hour approaches in an empty lunch. I sips my black coffee and listen song from somewhere. “ You know I can't smile without you.” I imagine where the song come from and at that time I think it should come from cassette tape because the song‘s too old. Has everyone forgotten cassette tape? How long we do not need it? When the Beat came in the Box, the topic of interesting news is take me back to remind vintage portable stereos again.

Mr. Owerko, the famous photographer from the cover image of Time magazine- the smashed World Trade Center, took close-up photographs of vintage portable stereos. He depicted the story of New York’s street culture from the late 1970s to the mid-’80s by featuring with commentators and published a book named “The Boombox Project: The Machines, the Music, and the Urban Underground.” It reminds everyone who grows up in the pre-CD era and shows the development of the stereos’ design.

The admiration for audio culture and the development of technology led us to think about ourselves which sometimes life is influenced by music. Music’s one mechanic to show culture, express emotions and tell the story of society through media. Music machine developed rapidly and non stop for responses to human consumptions. It responds interchangeably material culture and visual culture but rhythm and lyrics are static. The contexts of design stereo include social, cultural, technical and aesthetic by focusing towards the acts of production and consumption. The most obvious effect is set by marketing and advertisement which tell consumer to change all the time. They earn money from consumers’ obsessions. I think for one good stereo can work in 10 years but when we look on advertisement or hear news from everywhere that can change our mind to buy the new one in recent year. However, it depends on quality. Before vintage portable stereos period, we have gramophone record which are never die and most wanted.

Nowadays, we have many options of stereos such as iPod, iPhone, mp3, dvd player. What machine do you imagine that coming next? Is it possible that we back to origin again?

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References

Ben Sisario.When the Beat came in the Box. (2010, October 15). The New York Times. Retrieved October 16, 2010 from http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/16/arts/music/16boombox.html?ref=arts.

Sound Sleepers' Brain Waves Block Sounds

Do you think our class starts too early? I think that.

Moreover, when our class comes to the third week, most my classmate seem sleepy in every morning. Therefore, I search information about sleep because it might be help you feel active more. Because it about health, I search on Scientific American, and I find interesting information in that article, “Sound Sleepers' Brain Waves Block Sounds”. It might be too old but I think it is very interesting information.

That article tells us that why sleepers can carry on sleep while sounds happen. In fact, the loud noise can wake up sleepers but in some cases sleepers can keep on sleep, so scientist experiment to find the cause of those cases. The scientist found that brain can block noise to access to the auditory nerve so some sleepers can keep on even there are loud noises.

I believe that everyone used to nap in a classroom or in an office and this information can explain why we can do that what how loud in that place. The human body always surprises me by its abilities and thank for scientist who discover those body’s secrets. However, I think that even if a brain can block noises, the sleep in suitable place and time have still been importance.

Moreover, if we can sleep in peaceful place more than 8 hours, we might not feel sleepy in AEP class. HaHa!

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References

Sound Sleepers' Brain Waves Block Sounds. (2010, August 12). Scientific American. Retrieved October 14, 2010 from http://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode.cfm?id=sound-sleepers-brain-waves-block-so-10-08-12

To rescue Chile’s trapped miners

I have followed the news about collapsing mine in Chile for two months. Personally, I want to known how they will solve this problem and what method will be used to help trapped miners. Finally, the day that many people have been waiting for helping the miners arrive.

Following the news, on August 5, a tunnel of San Jose mine in Chile collapsed; therefore, thirty-tree men have been trapped about 700 m below ground.

After the accident, the government and the authorities attempt to rescue the trapped miners immediately, and today, October 13, they are sending down an empty capsule "Phoenix" to pick up the trapped miners to the surface.

There are many plans to aid the trapped miners since they arrive to the surface to they go to a hospital because they have lived in underground which is 32 degree Celsius and dark for long time. For example, before going up to the surface, the trapped miners have to wear coat to protect themselves from cold air outside and they have to wear sun glasses for protecting their eyes.

Referring the news, I got the idea from the rescue plans; moreover, I so appreciate with their teamwork, and after I read this sentence "when Chile is united, we are capable of doing great things", there are a lot of feeling happen in my mind. One of them makes me think of Tsunami at south of Thailand. In this adversity lead us know that we love each other, and today, do we still love each other?

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References

Joy as first Chile miners freed. (2010, October 13). BBC News. Retrieved October 13, 2010 from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11518015

Bullfighting banned in Catalonia. Politic and morality.

Bullfighting banned in Catalonia. Politic and morality.

Today I would like to write about a very controversial topic from my country, bullfighting. This news is a big step in the history of Spain, but is it a good or a bad step?

In this collaboration between BBC news and Lonely Planet, Damien Simonis inform us that the last july a regional parliament in Catalonia voted in favour of ban bullfighting in this northeast province. The new law is going to be effective in 2012. Catalan nationalists argue that bullfighting is a spanish culture that offends the sensibility of the catalans. In this context this action open a new discussion between morality and politic.

I am not sure that everybody know about bullfighting, so I would like to make a little introduction. In Spain, bullfighting has been part of the culture for hundred of years. On the weekends, in every city the people go to the bullfighting ring to see a "torero" (bullfighter) offering a show trying to impress the public with turns and movements as close as can to the truly dangerous bull of about 600 kg. If the "torero" does a good show, will be prized with one ear from the bull. Two ears is a very good recognition, the tail is the next step but be carried on the shoulders of the public from inside to outside of the ring can be the most expected experience for a "torero". In the ring, the "torero" kills the bull, and then the meat is sold.

Do you think this new event is a question of morality? Bullfighting is seen as a horrible action against the rights of the animals for many people in the world, and for many spanish citizens too. Others think that it is part of the culture and, respect and adore the work of the "toreros". In addition, it attracts many tourist every year.

Or do you think it is a new political strategy from the catalan government to find the independent of the Catalonian province? Catalonia is one of the richest provinces of Spain and almost 50% of the catalans are in favour to get the independent and build a new country.

In my own opinion, I still don't know what to think about bullfighting. That to kill an animal becomes a show is not right, but what happens if it is an old culture and it is very important for many people. I prefer the "recortadores", who do a show in the ring jumping bulls and turning dangerously very close of them, but within any pain for the animals. I think they are as brave as "toreros".

But I thing that it is wrong to use this discussed topic as a political action, to find the independent of the province. Don't you think that maybe the catalonia's government is looking for to be as different as they can than spanish government? And when we speak about the government, we speak about the people. Particularly I don't think it is fair that the two richest provinces of Spain, Catalonia and Basque Country, look for the independent. They should think in the poorest provinces and care about the problems of the country.

Now is your turn to decide if it has been a morality action or a politic strategy.

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References

Bullfighting in Catalonia: The impeding death of Barcelona's ring. (2010, September 27). BBC News in collaboration with Lonely Planet. Retrieved October 13, 2010 from http://www.bbc.com/travel/feature/20100820-bullfighting-in-catalonia-to-ban-or-not-to-ban

The problem with the modern decline of morals

The first two sentences of our next class reading are:

Christmas is one of the few traditions that most Westerners still share. Could the loss of such traditions and the values they help to inculcate be responsible for the West's alleged moral decline? (Law, 2003, p. 93)

Since Ko's latest comment on our discussion about George killing Lennie has directly raised questions about the nature and basis of morality (October 12, 2010 11:32 PM), this seems a good time for some pre-discussion on the coming ideas.

So, what is your response to the first two sentences from Stephen Law's 17 page essay?

Added October 14
And what about Thailand? 
Are there allegations of any similarly caused moral decline in Thailand? Who says such things? Are they right or are they talking nonsense? 

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References

Law, S. (2003). Christmas and Traditions. In The Christmas Files: The Philosophy of Christmas, (pp. 93 - 109). London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson.

Why do patient die from parasite disease in Sudan?

Parasite disease rises in Sudan, which increases the patients in southern Sudan. 6,000 people infect disease and 300 people die.

In Sudan, it rises parasite disease, known as kala-azar, and make many people to die and infect. The patients infect from biting of sand-fly which has Visceral leishmaniasis to be caused of disease. A cause that make patients increase, is people far from health facility so patients can’t treat or protect in time.

In my opinion, it has many diseases in the world but some disease doesn’t a severe disease. In Africa, disease isn’t severe, can make patients to die because health facility can’t access to all area. In Sudan, people won’t die and infect parasite disease if health facility access all the area and government has policy to protect people from this disease.

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References

Parasite disease rises in Sudan. (2010, October 8). BBC News. Retrieved October 12, 2010 from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11503876

Virgin Galactic's spaceship makes solo flight

It’s my turn to write blog again and I found many interesting news in BBC. The most attractive for me is “Virgin Galactic's spaceship makes solo flight” by Jonathan Amos.

This article is about the first solo test flight of the first commercial tourist spaceship in the world that owned by Vergin Galactic enterprise. The spaceship will be taken off by an aeroplane and fly back to the Mojave Air and Space Port. The fare for each person on this short travel above atmosphere is $200,000 (£126,000) and 370 customers have paid for their exciting tour. It’s only 25 minutes for the entire flight.

This news makes me think about big step of our age. We start with short travel in space and it can be have more time and more spaceship or even have more competitive in this business. It seem to be extravagant to use 6 million baht for 25 minutes travel, but let’s think about mobile phone in last 20 years, it’s both expensive and unnecessary to our live. Just twenty years, things are changed until we can’t believe that you can talk and see your partner’s face without any delay signal. It’s because of people have dreams and try to reach them. I admire Sir Richard Branson, the British billionaire that decided to start this project even though it’s made by business vision. Who knows, one day we might have a shopping mall or amusement park in space.

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References

"Virgin Galactic's spaceship makes solo flight" by Jonathan Amos. (2010, October 10) BBC News. Retrieved October 12, 2010 from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11511604

First human trial of embryonic stem cells

Do we know about embryonic stem cell? Most embryonic stem cells are derived from embryos that develop from eggs that have been fertilized in vitro—in an in vitro fertilization clinic. I found news about "First human trial of embryonic stem cells" today and I interesting this news from BCC NEWS.

Geron Corporation is a biotechnology company, Geron received The Food and Drug Administration approval to begin embryonic stem cells testing in humans.The research will use cells coaxed to become nerve cells which are injected into the spinal cord.Geron use paralysed rats in experiment and rats can revived some movement, and then they try to experiment in human.Geron president Dr Thomas Okarma said:"This accomplishment results from extensive research and development and a succession of inventive steps". Many people in the US had an accident in spinal cord every years and stem cell can treatment.

In my opinion, many people don't know about stem cells. It's a good thing, but sometime I think it's not safe enough.

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References
First human trial of embryonic stem cells. (2010, October 11). BBC News. Retrieved October 11, 2010 from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11517680

The country which's intelligent most !!

Apparently, you can see me feel sleepy in the class because I wasn't sleep enough last nigh but after I had read the article "Which country has the best brains?" From BBC News, my eyes grew open because It interesting a lot.

Nobel prize's been established by Alfred Nobel for 109 years ago and more than 500 prices have been award and It's for people who benefit to our world and human. The country which get the prize most is United State and they still being No.1 in almost every fields except literature because France is the most popular in that way.

Actually, I never interested in such topic but today I was looking at it because I hope Thailand would be on the list but I found nothing about Thailand; however, I'm not surprise that US is the one of almost many field because the quality of citizen might be better than other.

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References

Which country has the best brains?.(2010, October 8). BBC NEWS. Retrieved October 8, 2010 from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-11500373

Philippines air crew dances through the safety demo

Do you have any plans to travel by air? If you have, you will see the safety demonstration on your personal TV or by flight attendants on the plane. However mostly passengers don’t pay attention to the demonstration. Each air carrier is struggling about how to draw the passenger’s attention to the safety demonstration.

According to the article “Philippines air crew dances through the safety demo”, the Philippines Low-cost carrier (LCC), Cebu Pacific finds an answer by a unique performance. They are successful to grab the passenger’s attention to the air safety demonstration by its female crew’s dance with a Lady Gaga tune. Dance moves with instructions about how to use lifejackets, air masks and find the emergency exits are demonstrated instead of normal demonstration. Now male version is available. Both female version and male version dances have millions hits on YouTube.

I doubt if passengers understand correctly how to use the emergency equipments and find the way to exit through the dance. It seems to be ridiculous for me. Is it Okay that the most important introduction for the safety is informed merry and roughly!? I have had some chances to take LCC flights, but I have never had a good impression for their flight. I thought “L” of LCC is “L” of low service! ; no punctuality, no crews are available when I needed to ask or help and no smile… the advantage is just its cheaper price only.

Nowadays LCC is increasing its market share and becoming popular all over the world. To offer cheap prices, of course they have to cut down their costs, besides to compete with their rivals, they need plus something. Showing the unique performance without much expense, Cebu pacific is successful to promote their company’s name. We are welcome to be offered cheaper air fare. Moreover I hope they would spend much more time for improve their services as same as spending the time to practice dance.
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References

Philippines air crew dances through the safety demo. (2010, October 8) BBC News. Retrieved October 9, 2010 from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11498663

“Small Scale, Big Change”

Last July, I had to attend in AEP course at AUA, the important reason (for me) is because of the front AUA building which is my favourite building. As a building designer, I am always amazed and impressed with the building. I believe a good architecture should build a good environment to effect of human mind and behavior. I found an interesting announcement about the way to use architecture as a tool to change life from this news-Making Life easier.

The new approaches are present in architectural projects of new generation architects. 11 impressive projects are designed for lower-income area around the world. The Museum of Modern Art in New York sets up the exhibition called “Small Scale, Big Change” to follow this project becoming more active and accessible by people of all kinds. They believe in smart design can solve social problems. The buildings are managed and developed in various ways; for example, financial construction cost, architectural design, local material. In pictures, one of interesting projects, a new primary school in Burkina Faso, was built from local materials-mud bricks and local labours.

I would like all of you to change visions the good architecture’s not responded to extremely wealthy people and used the money for higher expanses. Especially thousands of years ago, humans build a house for living in and a church for their belief. The main point is not related to money but it is related to answer the social problems; for example, habitable places, public ceremonial places, government offices. After that, in modern society, approach is changing to commercial buildings related to money, advertisement and capitalism. Normal people are far and away from architectural knowledge. They always judge architecture as a place to visit, take photos, and leave. Now the new announcement comes and appears in public for environmentally and social responsibility- sustainability. This announcement is greatly encouraged someone by making them feel confident and eager to do the good small things for changing to more powerful. Just like Barack Obama said, “Change. We can believe in.” They learn to use their knowledge as tools mixing up with basically local techniques and materials. They make a positive effect and follow concept-think global act local (David Brower, 1969). If you are interested in this small project, please join, give supporting and visit us at “Small Scale, Big Change”.

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References

Making life easier.(2010, September 30) The Economist. Retrieved October 7, 2010 from http://www.economist.com/node/17145198?story_id=17145198

Post on Facebook get students in trouble

Nowadays, we have many social networks that help us to keep in contact with people such as hi5 and facebook. Especially facebook, I think many of you are on it, right? When I saw the title "India Student suspended for rude Facebook messages" on the BBC News website, it caught my eye because I use facebook, so I want to check out what happens in this story?

In the article, Asit Jolly reports that in India almost 12 million people use Facebook, and it is most popular with young urban Indians. One famous school in Chandigarh, Vivek High School, suspended 16 students for 3 months because they posted "rude and abusive" things about their math teacher on their facebooks. The students posted rude words because they were angry with teacher which give them low grades. Parents agreed that is not right to disrespect their teacher, but they thought 3 months are too long for suspension during the final year. In addition, the students think this is way too much to control their life; it not private and free to express themselves. However, school management will consider the punishment again on October 18, 2010.

Do you think what the students did is wrong? Do you think what school management did is right?

I think in this situation, the students should accept what grades they got, or if they think that the grade they got is not right they should talk to their teacher. Even though they keep posting rude things their grade will never change. On the other hand, I think the school management should not have infringed their private and free expression. If I am the principal of this school I will not suspended them but I will talk to them with the reasons and tell them "anything that you think is not right or unclear, you should talk or ask your teacher". Moreover, I agree that the students should respect to their teacher, but the teacher should respect or listen to students too, if he/she is wrong.

This article reminds me of forwarded email that I got while the red shirt protest was happening in central Bangkok. It was about a student who posted some very negative thing implied to the monarchy. I'm not sure that was a true message or someone who wanted to make a worse situation in Thailand. Did anybody get that forward email?

In short, I think the cyber- world has two side; good and bad - it depends on how people use it. Parents should pay attention to their child to use internet in proper ways.

References

Asit Jolly (2010, October 8). India Students suspended for rude Facebook message. BBC News. Retrieved October 8, 2010 from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-11500518

Trimming the fat

A little more on weight control, which is what caught my eye when I was looking at New Scientist this morning. The title, "For a trimmer figure, add an extra helping of gut bugs", suggested what I found in the article, that the bacteria in our digestive system play a vital role in health, including, it would appear, in weight control.

But it wasn't this weight control itself that prompted this post. What was more impressive was that the researchers found that the Lactobacillus gasseri bacteria added to yoghurt was particularly effective at reducing the most dangerous sort of fat, the visceral fat that surrounds internal organs.

As I was reading, I was reminded of Ann's comments on the importance of eating a well balanced diet. The results also seem to confirm the idea that natural foods have much going for them, although it wasn't clear

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References

For a trimmer figure, add an extra helping of gut bugs. (2010, march 25). New Scientist. retrieved March 25, 2010 from http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20527536.300-for-a-trimmer-figure-add-an-extra-helping-of-gut-bugs.html

Gulf oil spill commission criticises White House

Actually, I intended to pick up the relaxing news because we feel stress too much in class. Is that right? Haha. However, the environment news always catch me eyes like Gift, and after I read it, I consider that this news are relevant with the environment, the politic, and surely the judgment rigt or wrong. Therefore, I picked up this news to talk about. That is “Gulf oil spill commission criticises White House” on BBC Online.

Do you now BP oil’s event in Gulf of Mexico?

This new tells me about the hidden agenda of that event.

On 20 April, there is the explosion on the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig of BP Company. Innumerable oil spill to the surface of the sea and cover huge space of Gulf of Mexico. This is the biggest environmental accident of The US and it destroys the tourism and local fishing industry. BP can stop the spilling of on 15 July; however effects of this accident are too enormous to estimate. A lot of organizes are blamed to respond this event including US’ government. White House is blamed that it controlled the information of that event and hides the real of its cost. The Government do not make public the a worst case scenario which report by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration but choose to publish by a worst case scenario of White house which is too optimistic. Moreover, on first 10 days of oil spilling, the government controls the information by presenting that BP can handle this problem.

I had followed this news since it was published and I thought it finish, but now its affect seem longer than I thought and it affect to economy, politic, and environment. The environment is premier effect. This event impacts to sea ecology deeply. The deaths of sea animals affect surely to birds and the effect cover US and other countries in Gulf of Mexico. This is the one of the biggest disaster of the world. For politic, White House are blamed the on of cause of this disaster because of the too positive thinking and the controlling information of government. For the economic, now the tourism in that area and local fishing industry are destroyed till all of oil is removed.

I think the government has to have good reasons to do that such as to protect economy, to not make chaos of society, or for the stability of state, ETC. Are the right reasons to hide the truth from citizens? or you think there are beter reason.

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References

Gulf oil spill commission criticises White House.(2010, October 7) BBC News. Retrieved September 7, 2010 from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11489960

Brazil minidress row student compensated

Nowaday, a lot of fashion and clothing style are widely created around the world such as short skirt, short dress, etc., but some of them is not proper to be dressed for going to formal place. For example, a woman with too short skirt attends the class in the university.

According to the article, Brazil minidress row student compensated, a student who dresses with short red dress goes to Bandeirante university in Sao Paulo for attendance class. Her name is Geisy Arruda with 21 years old. When she went into the class with that cloth, she was expelled because of disturbing classes. She was blamed that she did not respect for ethical principle, and lack in academic dignity and morality. After that she felt that she was trampled her dignity severely. Therefore, she sued her university, and got compensation about $23,600 (£14,840) after the civil court judges that the action of the university was intolerance, and discrimination.

I don't know about appearance of the dress exactly. How short was it?, but the news reports that her dress was deemed too short by official. That is her dressing is not suiable to wear for attendance. Moreover, it is a strange news for me because a woman who wore too short dress got compensation from the university though she lacked in respect of university honor. It seems the university does not have any authority. Do you think that the university did the right way which was expelling?

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References

Brazil minidress row student compensated (2010, October 6). BBC News. Retrieved October 6, 2010 from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11480968

Why do film stars work for international organization?

Which column do you start to read on a newspaper? In my case, I start to read an entertainment column first to cheer up myself before I start to read the environmental news. Nothing is interesting in the entertainment column, but while I was looking for the environmental news, Angelina Jolie picture in “UN in fresh appeal for Pakistan flood victims” attract my attention. This pushes me to open this page to follow the news.

The news said “The UN has made a fresh appeal for Pakistan's flood victims as film star Angelina Jolie has arrived in the country to highlight their plight.”

The news reported that half of the districts in Sindh province have been affected by the flooding and they had been waiting for helping from various channels, including the UN's official.

After I read the news, I realize that approximately one-third of the new shows about Angelina’s doing; for example, what does she do, and what does she think which these sentences make me want to read the news.

In my opinion, I think that many international organizations like the UN would like to attract the attention of people around the world to interest in their actions; therefore, they need someone to be their ambassador like a film star, Angelina Jolie. But what are the reasons that lead film stars work for them?

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References

UN in fresh appeal for Pakistan flood victims (2010, September 7). BBC News. Retrieved October 6, 2010 from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-11212183