Getting into Unit 3 = Thought (B&S3, p27, Discussion point)

What I read

On page 27 (2013), Bixby and Scanlon introduce the topic of Unit 3 with the usual large image and some discussion questions to start us thinking about the new topic. 

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Their questions 

Discuss these questions in a comment. 

• When you are studying, what kinds of things help you concentrate? What things distract you?
   
• Do you think you have a good memory? What are you good (or poor) at remembering?
   
• How does modern technology affect the way we learn and study? 

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Reference

• Bixby, J. & Scanlon, J. (2013). Skillful Reading & Writing: Student's Book 3. Oxford: Macmillan Education

Editing and Proofreading Strategies (B&S3, p36, Study Skill)

What we read

Bixby and Scanlon conclude unit 2 with the usual Study Skills page (2013, p. 26), in this case, the topic is strategies for editing and proofreading work, which is something that we have already practised. 

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My response 

Since they include a peer review exercise as part of each writing task, it is clear that Bixby and Scanlon think that such strategies are an important step in the writing process, which is consistent with the title they give their general review checklist on page 109: "Process Writing Checklist". 

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Their questions

You have already done a review exercise as part of the writing task on page 15, where you wrote on the topic of your own identity. Similarly, there will be a peer review exercise for this week's essay where you discuss the building, structure or similar project that is your chosen topic. 

With this experience to look back on and more coming, it's timely to think about the questions that Bixby and Scanlon use to get us thinking about this study skill. 

Their questions are: 

• When do you edit or proofread your writing? What are the different times you edit your writing both in various courses and outside of school? 
• When do you do your most careful editing? Why?
   
• How do you edit or proofread your own writing?
   
• Do you ever ask a classmate to check your writing? Why or why not? 

My question 

• Should you peer review your classmates' work? Why or why not?  

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Reference

• Bixby, J. & Scanlon, J. (2013). Skillful Reading & Writing: Student's Book 3. Oxford: Macmillan Education

Design: reading 2, "Designing Solutions" (B&S3, p22, Developing critical thinking)

What we read

We have now read and checked our understanding of both "The Metropol Parasol" and of "Designing solutions."

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Our response 

As usual, Bixby and Scanlon now invite us to think critically about the ideas in what we have read. 

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Bixby and Scanlon's questions

Think about the ideas from "The Metropol Parasol" and "Designing solutions" (Bixby & Scanlon, 2013, p. 22), and discuss these questions in a comment. Then reply to at least two of your classmates' comments. 

• What are some of the differing opinions about each project? Which opinions do you agree with?
   
• Think of an area in your town, city or country that could somehow be changed to improve the residents' lives. Suggest ideas for redesigning and making improvements to the area. Discuss the pros and cons of each. 

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Reference

• Bixby, J. & Scanlon, J. (2013). Skillful Reading & Writing, Student's Book 3. Oxford: Macmillan Education

Rise in cancers 'caused by weight'

What I read 

UK research center found that more than 30% cases of cancer are able to be managed. We can prevent cancer by change our life style. Luckily, one method that is known by almost everyone is avoid smoking. It is the most effective way. However, surprisingly another way that most people do not know about is avoid overweight. This research suggests that our BMI should not be more than 25. This way is the second most effective way. Other ways to avoid cancer are avoiding too much sunbathing, do not drink alcohol, too less fiber consume.     

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My response 

Obesity is an epidemic spread over the world. Not only developed counties face this problem, but developing country also face this problem as well. I think there are two main reasons. First, people eat more junk food. Because people, especially in the city, always hurry, they do not have time to eat proper meal. Therefore, they have to eat fast food. It contains a lot of addictive, such as, preservative, and flavor power which makes it taste better. Second, people are less active. Technology changes human life style. For example, In the past, kids liked to play outdoors with their friends but recently, they trends to play game through electronic gadgets. Therefore, I totally agree with author that we should be more concern about obese problem and every part in social should take an action.

For sunbathing, I do not so concern about that because Typically Thai do not like sunbathing.
TV Advertising set mind set to most Thai that white skin is good looking and high social status. So, a lot of Thai try to have bright skill and do not like sunbathing. Most of my colleagues are try not to face sun light. For example, when they walked to restaurants near an office, they always use an umbrella to protect sun light. I think this advice is true for western countries which people in that countries like tan skin.

In conclusion, I am surprised about the fact that overweight is the second important solution to prevent cancer. I support that government should promote people to aware about negative effect of obesity. 

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My question

Can you follow this advise to prevent cancer? which ones you can do? Which one you can't? why?

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Reference

• Alex Therrien. (2018, March 23) "Rise in cancers 'caused by weight'".BBC News. Retriving  from  http://www.bbc.com/news/health-43502144.

To Shape Gender Equality in African Society

What I read

In “Teaching boys that'real men' would stop rape”, Donovan, Wangari, & O'Neill (2018) shared a story about a program in Kenya, run by a non-profit organization, called “Ujamaa”. The program aims to raise awareness of sexual harassment and violence among pre-teen and early-teen boys in a Kenya’s slum as well as self-defenses in girls. Due to their belief – men exclusively take the leading role in the society, severe inequality has been adopted in African society for ages. To solve that “huge problem”, Ujamaa teaches the boys to respect women and how to help a girl in a sexual violence situation. The program successfully got a positive feedback in Kenya, then it’s gradually spreading its success in Malawi and Uganda. 

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My response 

This article reminded me of recent news in Thailand that Cindy Sirinya Bishop, a supermodel, expressed her opinion against the government advice for women during the Songkran festival. Thai women are advised to wear cover-up clothes during the festival to protect them from any harms, especially sexual harassment. Heard of that, Mrs. Bishop pointed out that it is better to tell men to respect women instead of telling women what to wear. That made the hashtags #DontTellMeHowToDress and #TellMenToRespect become one of popular trends in Twitter for a couple days. (If you want to read for more details, please look at https://coconuts.co/bangkok/features/donttellmehowtodress-thai-women-clap-back-govt-advice-cover-songkran/)

I understand that it is good for women not to take themselves into troubles or risk situations. It is easy to nip it in the bud. Are women’s wearing the bud? Can proper wearing solely stop the disgusting crime? I don’t think I can take that side – women are the bud.

I’m on the other side.

I deeply appreciate and accept the ideas of the Ujamaa and Mrs. Bishop that we should fix the problem, sexual harassment and violence, at its root. To respect women. Wearing sexy clothes may cause sexual harms to them, but is it the real cause? If yes, can that advice can stop the violence? Opposite to the Ujamaa program, Thai women seem to be less respected as we should. Indeed, not just men have to respect women, but women themselves need to respect men too. Recently, women made some, dirty, jokes about men online that was taken as a kind of verbal sexual harassment.  Thus, sexual harassment isn’t just one gender’s actions. It’s an action done by a group of disrespectful people. Every gender deserves better treatment. We should treat each other equally as a human being. Everyone’s life is the priority. 

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My question

What do you think about sexual harassment in modern society? 

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Reference

• Donovan, L., Wangari, F., & O'Neill, H. (2018, March 20). Teaching boys that 'real men' would stop rape. BBC News. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/education-43466365

Bottled water contaminated with microplastics

What I read

In “Plastic particlesfound in bottled water” (2018), David Shukman reported that the research conducted by Orb Media, journalism organization, revealed that almost bottled water of 11 bottled water brands all around the world, such as Aquafina, Evian and Nestle Pure Life, was contaminated by microplastics. 10.4 particles per liter were bigger than 100 microns, about the width of human hair, and 314 particles per liter were bigger than 100 microns, which were likely to be plastic. The main plastic found in the bottled water was polypropylene, which is used in bottle cap, so this evidence supported one theory said that opening a plastic bottle may let plastic particles pollute the water. However, although no evidence was found that cause harm, more scientific studies and researches were needed to find out more evidences and analysis.

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My response 

For me, it’s possible that plastic fragments from the process of making water bottles fall into the water inside but unexpectedly just twisting a screw cap can cause some tiny plastic particles to drop into the water.

Plastic water bottles are very convenient, portable and lightweight. Some of them are well designed and molded in clear plastic cylinders with curved sides and bottoms, which support carrying and can reduce bumping when distribution. Moreover, they are available at small grocery stores and major department stores. With these reasons, the plastic water bottles have become popular and used excessively in some countries. Not only drinking water, but most food, especially snacks and dry products, and other beverages are contained in plastic packets individually regarding to hygiene and convenience.

I’m one of plastic users. Before I realized that use of plastic is a major factor in water pollution and danger to aquatic creatures, I neglected how many plastic bags and bottles I consumed for years. I cared about only my convenience and hygiene (which may never have existed). But when my plastic bags I’ve collected increased more and more, at that time I didn’t know how to get rid of them but throwing them away. Anyway, I didn’t throw them but I have reused plastic bags and refused single-use plastic bags. What’s more, now I’m using a stainless steel tumbler at my office for my ice tea in the morning and the other one for traveling. I’m also using reusable straws instead of plastic straws after watching video showing a sea turtle with a plastic straw in his nose. Yes, I cried. One of straws I used may flow into the ocean and an animal may be mistaken and eat it or hurt it like the video shown. So, what I have to do is to change my habit and prepare my reusable containers and it will be great if I can produce waste less and less and becomes zero waste.

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My question

How can you reduce plastic pollution?

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Reference

• Shukman, D. (2018, March 15). Plastic particles found in bottled water. BBC News. Retrived from http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-43388870

When the situation goes wrong

What I read and watched

In Youtube 'prankster' sued by In-N-Out Burger describes Youtube video maker was being sued by one of the Burger chains in the U.S. Cody Roeder told a customer their meal was contaminated and garbage while he was pretending to be the company's chief executive in his prank video. He and his unidentified members of his film crew are also accused of throwing a customer's burger on the floor and stepping on it. In-N-Out Burger is seeking for damages more than $25,000 and also restraining orders against the team. There are examples of people whose pranks have run into legal problems, such as an Australian man was fined 1,200 Australian dollars in January after jumping off a bridge in response to being called a "silly salmon"

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My response 

I have to confess that I am one of the people who enjoy watching prank videos on Youtube. These video makers have not only a very creative but also outlandish ideas to tease others. Pranksters on the internet can mostly make a living money out of it, and therefore it turns to be very popular to do.  Sometimes, they put a lot of efforts to do just one prank video, which can be either a greatly entertaining show or a disaster.

There are various purpose why they make prank videos, some of which is to entertain others, some of which is to show the world another attitude and some of which is to tease their friends or others. I can show you the link to a prankster, Roman whose videos were my favorite. when he teased Howie Mandel, his friend by throwing thousands of toilet papers to his house. which he did put a lot of efforts. However, many people argued about how much toilet paper he had wasted. He used to make many pranks videos, and many of them had lead to the policemen, he was familiar with cops and getting arrested. Eventually, he stopped making pranks videos but some other adventurous and fun videos instead.

It shocked me that some prankster really gets arrested for doing silly stuff. For instance, a married US-based couple was sentenced to five years probation in 2017 for child neglect after posting videos of themselves destroying their children's toys and making them cry, and when Daniel Jarvis was aiming to act like dumb criminals in London national portrait gallery but instead, his action created panic to others. As a result, it made him go straight to jail. These show that sometimes the purpose of creating entertainment can go totally wrong.

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My question

Have you ever watched pranks videos? Do you like them?
What is your opinion about people who have to jail from their action of creating these kind of prank, do they deserve it or do you think it is exaggerated response?

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Reference

• Kelion L. (2018, March 28). YouTube 'prankster' sued by In-N-Out Burger. BBC News. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-43572160

More plastic bottle will be recycled.

What I read.

The UK will endorse plastic bottle deposit scheme to reduce non recycle plastic bottles. Current situation, there are more than three billions plastic bottles are not recycled in The UK. This campaign have done in many country in Northern Europe and also Scotland, which have vary management system. The previous plastic reduction campaign in the UK, 5p charge for plastic bag, is successful to reduce more than 80% of plastic bag consumption. However, the new project's challenge is how to motivate people, retailer and plastic factory for contribution in this important project and convenience for all stakeholders is the key success factor for this deposit scheme.   

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My response 

Last year, I went to Samui Island, which is a famous travel place in Thailand, and saw a lot of waste in a sand beach. Most of them made from plastic for example; plastic bag, plastic bottle, plastic box.  However, I met a volunteer group, who kept a trash on the beach, and I help them to keep it as same as an activity which I always do when I go to the sea. Even if we can keep all garbage on a beach, there are a abundant of waste in the sea, that we cannot see, and most of them are non degradable. In each year, there are many sea animal die from eating plastic trash in the sea, not only a big animal eats but also small animal, such as plankton, eats. Any plastic degrades into micro-plastic,  a tiny scrap of plastic, and plankton eats it as their food. In marine food chain, unfortunately, plankton is a food of many ocean animal for example; fish, shell, shrimp, or crab,  then human eat that animal as our food. When we eat seafood, we maybe eat micro-plastic, the garbage that human left into the sea.

In my opinion, the best way to reduce trash in ocean is limited using plastic in our daily life and effective recycle system. This campaign is my dream because I always imagine that our country should have a better recycle system, however, it is never start. For initiation this new project in Thailand, the government should well prepare both people attitude and infrastructure of recycle system.Thai people should change their attitude about recycling  and waste management because many Thais do not separate trash to each waste type and also think that environmental problem is not their business. For system preparedness, the government or local governments should invest in plastic bottle recycle system, endorses a law or regulation for scheme management, and prepare equipment. It is look difficult to do but I think if the government has a commitment and Thai people have awareness, this project will be done and will be successful. Finally, Thai ocean will be beautiful and our environmental system will improve and sustain for the next generation. 

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My question

How do you decrease plastic using in your daily life?

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Reference

• Harrabin R. (2018, 28 March). Drinks bottles and can deposit return scheme proposed. BBC News. Retrieve from. http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-43563164

Why is spitting so bad?

What I read

In Why is spitting so bad? (2018), the footballer spat to someone and has been break from his job. Spitting was acceptable in the past, but nowadays, it refers to anger and impoliteness. It was due to public health campaigns to reduce the transmission of contagious diseases in 1940s. Moreover, spitting is illegal in England. People rarely spit currently, so the possibility to contact decease is low. Some deceases are contacted via saliva such as TB, hepatitis, viral meningitis, and cytomegalovirus. If you contact to someone saliva, you should wash off with soap and lots of water immediately. If you contact directly to your eyes, nose or mouth, you should wash off with lots of cold water. In case of infection, get medical advice immediately.

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My response 

This news reminds me when I was travelling in Shanghai, China. Most of middle age and old people spit as usually in common places. I feel dirty and have to watch out every steps I take. Even if in Disneyland Shanghai, one of the most cleanest place in Shanghai, I also saw someone spat on the footpath. For me, spitting is polite or impolite, it depends on where you are. If you are in China, it's no problem to do that. If you are in Thailand, England, or most of developed countries, it's not appropriate to do that. In Thailand, spitting in common places or to other people is rude, impolite, and ill-mannered. I never do that. I saw people spit for several times in Bangkok. By the way, it's not acceptable social action. An important reason that you should not spit in common place, it spreads virus and causes contact many diseases. As we know, saliva contains lots of germs or microorganism.
Moreover, spitting increases cost of cleaning. I think in the country where people spit as usual in common place, government have to pay for many cleaner for keep footpath clean. Spitting is dirty as same as littering in public places. So there is no good thing for spitting or was spat. 

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My question

Do you think being in the place that people spit makes you have more possibility to be sick than the place that people don't?

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Reference

• Why is spitting so bad?. (2018, March 12). BBC News. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/health-43372154

Sex should not be a censored topic

What I read

In "Secret world: The women in the UK who cannot report sexual abuse", Megha Mohan reports the story of an anonymous refugee woman who came to the UK, lived in families she was hired, got abused time to time. Almost every family she was in, she was sexually abused, and couldn't tell anyone because the law couldn't help her, but send her back to her country where she escaped from. Keeping secret for over ten years, a miracle man took her to London Refugee Centre where staff are openly welcome to listen to her story. After that, her story has been published all around the world then women in every status, including Hollywood star, start to reveal their similar abusing story by using hashtag Me Too.

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My response 

It might be the shortest response for me if I write exactly about the topic in this news because as said in the news, it was secret for a long time. Even though it is more revealed now(as in the news), I still have heard very little about it. So I'll say how I think about this news and another similar situation in Thailand.

For her, the refugee, I understand and know it was a hard situation. She was a refugee and has no legal status. As I know it is illegal and when someone or she herself reports the police, she would be sent back, which she didn't want to. She has two choices at that time - to tell the police but would be sent back, and to do nothing. Of course, she wanted to stay there but didn't want to be abused which is not in any choices. I would honestly say I can't think of any solution for her. Actually, it might be some solution if some kind person knows her story, but she can't tell anyone. So, to have a miracle man taking her to London Refugee Centre and reveal her story is lucky for her and she can be in a good-chosen family. That's the best solution - to wait for a kind person to help her - because she has no other ways.

I have too little idea about this situation, but I come up with another similar problem in every country - teenage pregnancy. Now let's consider this as an academic discussion, not an embarrassing topic. It's been a problem for the world for a long time. As our nature, I don't have to say why people get pregnant. But we can think of why they, children, don't know to protect as they are not responsible enough for new baby. I'm sure in many families or even some of you reading this, consider this the censored topic according to our culture; children aren't likely to talk with parents. As the result, children lack of knowledge in this topic. They are taught only it's not a good thing but no other knowledge. And as we can't resist our nature, there's a problem. I know Japanese culture that they talk in this topic freely; students have the knowledge, and there's much little problem than us according to the statistics. Actually, I agree it's a shame topic and it's hard to say as our culture is like this. However, as it is a big problem in the country, we should think of some solution. Sometime, we can't keep all benefits, but we have to concern which solution can keep most benefits and that's the best solution. 

For the story in the news, she couldn't tell anyone because she would be sent back to where she escaped, so I find there is no other way before she met a miracle man. But for the teenage problem that parents don't usually talk with children and they don't have much knowledge about it, there're so many solutions, which solution do you think it is the best?

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My question

If I were in her shoe, refugee in the news, I can't think of any better solution than waiting for someone to help me, what another solution can you think of?
What is the main cause of teenage pregnancy? What solution is the best to reduce teenage pregnancy rate in the country?

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Reference

• Mohan, M. (2018, March 27). Secret world: The women in the UK who cannot report sexual abuse. BBC News. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-43499374

Huawei's latest smartphone can capture in the dark

What I read

In Huawei's latest smartphone can capture in the dark (2018), Kelion wrote that Huawei's smartphone  P 20 can take photos in low light condition and spend only six seconds to capture them since Huawei put light fusion on their phones. Huawei is in the third ranked behind Sumsung and Apple but one of the Chinese company said that Huawei could become one of the leader in smartphone brand in the future. Huawei doesn't have the brand like Apple and Sumsung do so Huawei need to come up with the brilliant idea to attract customers.

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My response 

From the article, Huawei will launch the latest smartphone that can take photos in near dark conditions. It is the great idea because other well-known smartphones such as Iphone and Sumsung cannot take photos in really dark places. It causes the photos blur and not clear enough. Huawei has not have the brand like Iphone and Sumsung do; therefore, Huawei has to go extra miles to attract customers to buy their products. For example, Huawei' s smartphone has 3 cameras and light fusion which are more valuable than other brands. Moreover, the price of Huawei is cheaper than those two major competitors which can attract more customers to buy their products. 

In my perspective, the smartphone market is smaller and smaller since there are only few main players in the market such as Apple, Sumsung and Huawei. The market is really competitive because they try to launch new products that beat other players such as more cameras, waterproof, face and fingerprint scanner and so forth. I realise that one of the reasons that can maintain the market share for each firm is a brand loyalty. I do not think that current smartphones are very different from one brand to another brand. It is almost the same except the familiar to use the brand and brand loyalty. It is really hard to change people' s loyalty in the short term. 

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My question

Do you think that Huawei will become the most popular smartphone in the future? 

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Reference

• Kelion, L. (2018, March 27). Huawei P20 Pro smartphone 'can see in the dark'. BBC News. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-43373488

Tariffs war

What I read

In Asia stocks follow US shares up as trade war fears ease (2018). Asian economy including China and Japan, which is one of the most biggest economy in this continent, recovered from situation of trade war between China and USA as it show in stock index, for example, the Nikkei 225 index recovered by 1.7% to 21, 110.68 and Hang Seng index in china rose by 0.8% to 30,80 points. Regarding of announcement of US president ,Mr. Donald Trump, the USA will increase tariff goods from China because of intellectual property right problem in China. At first China responded by increasing tariff against US goods. However, the situation is eased by announcement of China president that he will  negotiate with US and he doesn't want this problem occurring. 

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My response 

It is interesting news for me because nowadays both China and USA are the most biggest and powerful countries in the world. The conflict between both countries have affected to every country in the world. I felt this situation like real war , for example, World war 1 and 2, to be number one in the world but it change from real war to trading war.

The US policy against Chinese goods will has impact on Thailand for both direct way and indirect way. China is one of the most important export market in Thailand, so if the tariff  occurred, it definitely has affected to our country especially the export sector. China will decrease production as a result export sector in Thailand especially steel industry might face serious problem. In addition, the USA might also use the tariff policy against other countries which include Thailand.

For intellectual right, it is known that China is the top list in the world which has Intellectual piracy. I am the one who do not agree with it but it might be other ways to solve the problem as this tariff war has bad effect on not only China and USA but also almost countries around the world.

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My question

Should US government increase tariff against Chinese goods ? Is it important to solve the problem about intellectual rights ? 

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Reference

• Asia stocks follow US shares up as trade war fears ease. (2018, March 27). BBC News.   Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/business-43551384

Human Eggs donation is becoming popular

What I read

In IVF egg donor use rises sharply, HFEA figures show (2018). From the information provided by Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA), They find that number of utilization of donated eggs in IVF(In vitro fertilization) become higher in every year. HFEA stated that they are higher in awareness of eggs donation ,and there are more recipients that required donated eggs like homosexual couple and old women. Cathy Nicholson ,one of the donor, said that she already donated five times and continuing to donate her eggs annually.Also, Amanda Mitcheson, on of the recipient, said that she received donated egg from UK and found that it was a gift to have his son from that.One egg-recruiting company in UK said that now people are more likely to aware that their fertility is something limited.  

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My response 

A reason behind what I have chosen this article to write about is that I am a veterinarian who working with IVF in livestock everyday which the principle is familiar with human IVF. But It is easier in livestock to get donated eggs because we don't actually care whether they want to donate or not; if we have a chance to take eggs from them we just do it or sometime we wait at the slaughter house to get ovaries, and take those eggs out. After that, we freeze them in liquid nitrogen, and when we want to do IVF we pick one egg to laboratory and follow the process until we get an embryo. There are some specific requirements from the farmer that want to have an elite cattle breed embryos from Europe, in that case we would be more careful because one embryo can be up to sixty thousands bath or more ,so it is more like IVF process in human which require a lot of money and efforts.

According to the article, IVF in human is now becoming popular since many people currently face the problem of low fertility or unable to have child by themselves such as in old women or same sex couples. It is great to know that now people have more awareness of eggs donation and the number is exponentially increase overtime which mean there can be hope for people that need it.From my experience, there is one of my relatives who was suffering from infertility and desperately want to have a child. She said to me that people take for granted about having children, but for those who has some problem with reproductive system, it is like a gift for them to have just one child. She tried so many ways to fix her problem but turned out that any of it worked. Finally, she got donated eggs from her friend and fulfilled her desire with ecstatic feeling.

In the near future, Donation of eggs maybe something ordinary and people may no longer depend on their couple to have a child. As the technology developed, we might give birth to ourselves without pregnant by the method called cloning. But, there are still lots of ethics that have to be taken in account.

 

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My question

What do you think about having children from donated eggs ? Does it cause problems with that children when they grow up and realize that their true mother is someone else?____
______________________________ 

Reference

• IVF egg donor use rises sharply, HFEA figures show. (2018, March 21). BBC News.   Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-43458405 

Poison is harm eventually!

What I read

In "Woman dies after having bee-sting therapy" (2018). Apitherapy or bee sting therapy has been created for one thousand year, and human utilize it for reducing inflammatory, such as arthritis. Researcher does not support the benefit of Apitherapy. Also, it seems to more harm because they have poison and can lead anaphylaxis shock. This kind of shock occurs when the body receive strange allergen then express severe allergic symptoms, so the emergency care must be prompted immediately. Moreover, when it worsen, cerebrovascular emboli and multiple organ usually occur. Unfortunately, the woman, who always receives the bee sting therapy, she had anaphylaxis shock at the clinic where have not efficiency emergency treatment and equipment. As a result, she has passed away. Lastly, scientists still cannot prove the genuine benefit from Apitherapy. 

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My response 

In my opinion, bees should not be used for treat any symptoms because it induce highly risk, and mortality rate. Furthermore, it is supported by Amena Warner, Head of Clinical Services for Allergy UK, said "The public need to be very aware of the unorthodox use of allergens such as bee venom. This will come with risk and, in susceptible individuals, can lead to serious life threatening reactions." I agree that the severe and fasten response from body when get allergy is too dangerous.

In addition, this article remind me to think about Thai medical treatment. Nowadays, complementary medicine in Thailand, such as acupuncture and having Thai herbal medicine, is widely used, and some people prefer to get involved with it. Although, scientific method cannot prove it, but they still believe that they will have better symptoms. As one of healthcare provider, I always disagree with complementary medicine that is because they have not been approved by science, and it is so incredible to trust.

Moreover, most people are likely to have worse symptoms when they use any un-scientific methods. The chemical in their body are changed gradually that lead the organ working un-coordinated. Also, kidney and liver functions are the worsen because the liver function is destroying and metabolic chemical substances, and both of organ function can show by laboratory result. From my aspect, this kind of medicine patterns are not sustainable, and the huge disadvantages will happen with their body in soon. Therefore, it would be better if people come to see the doctor and believe in the proved things more.

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My question

1. Have you ever used any complimentary medicines?

2. What kind of them do you use?

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Reference

Woman dies after having bee-sting therapy. (2018, March 23). BBC News. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/health-43513817

Cleopatra and Antony

What I read

In "Why Margot Robbie is taking on Shakespeare", Steven Macintosh tells us that although there is disagreement from academics to the idea that Shakespeare's plays, where the cultural limitations of the time are reflected in women characters speaking far less than the male leads, are told from an exclusively male perspective, they welcome Margot Robbie's coming TV series that will explore the untold stories of female characters in several of his plays (2018). 

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My response 

Putting aside such interesting recent topics in the BBC News as the alien-like mummy and Poland's morally wrong laws against easy abortion for women, this article in the entertainment section raised a couple of points that interested me. First, I've loved Shakespeare since I was introduced to his violent, action packed plays and poetry full of murder, rape, sex, the supernatural, betrayal, and other elements that still excite video-gamers today. Macbeth, which was my introduction to Shakespeare's violent world, is the bloody story of a greedy nobleman who kills his king so he can take the throne for himself. And it opens with witches singing around their boiling pot as they throw in bat's wings and other gross things to make their magic, or perhaps just supper from the resources available. 

As I read Macintosh's report, I was also pleasantly surprised to see academics largely agreeing for once. We don't expect academics to agree, since progress is largely the result of disagreement with the past and present ideas, but in this case, the competing academics did agree that Shakespeare's women are strong figures whose voices are not weak or turned into male imitators. In Macbeth, for example, it is his ambitious wife who actually drives her husband to kill the old king so that she can become queen. The way Shakespeare develops her character is a powerful female story. But my favourite play in high school was Antony and Cleopatra. Antony's name might come first in the title, but it's really the story of the Egyptian queen Cleopatra seducing the Roman leader, which brings about the destruction of herself and her ensnared mate as Egypt is reduced to an imperial province of the Roman Empire. Had the sea battle of Actium turned out differently and Cleopatra gone on to reign not only over Egypt but to also exert great influence over Rome, what might the world be like today? 

But much as I love the original Shakespeare, I also like the idea that his works should be adapted and re-purposed by modern artists. That makes the ideas more accessible to modern audiences, and creates new works of art that build on the old, just as modern science is built on the often discredited theories of earlier scientists: we would not have had Einstein without Newton, and scientists know that the things they are sure about today won't all survive critical review in the future. 

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My question

What classics of your culture have been turned into modern stories to explore new perspectives that might not have been possible earlier? Do you like them? 

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Reference

• Macintosh, S. (2018, March 25). Why Margot Robbie is taking on Shakespeare. BBC News. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-42418367 

Adapt or die: How to cope when the bots take your job

What I read AI and robot will make low skilled labor unemployed. For example, recently, call center staff were replaced by AI. An analytic program will be able to do a job as same as a fund manager. Driverless cars was invented and will be used commonly in the future.This situation will be more are more widespread . However, it has positive effect on high skill labor because robot will helps an expert to do easy works and let expert take that time develop new things or improve the way they work. Moreover, some expert believe that it will not increase an unemployment but it will just change types of job demand in the market. Market will need employee that have IT skill. Therefore, we have to adapt ourselves by new skills, such as, programming, data science.  

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My response 

I had seen many changes about technology and AI for last three years. The most noticable I can see is happening with financial industry. Nowadays, we do not go to physical bank branches as often as we go in the past because we can do financial transaction through mobile device. The big bank, SCB announced that they will reduce more than 10,000 people within three years. At first, I surprised about the news because I did not think it will happen fast. Moreover, I am work in a bank as well. That made more concern about it

Some experts predict that in the future we will work less hours than today because robot will do some boring jobs for us. So, the overall jobs that need to be done will be decreased but the number of working labor are almost the same. As a result of that, we will have more free time and I appreciate about that. Another thing, that might change is job that related with IT skill will have high demand. Moreover, there is a research finding that  "Data Scientist: The Sexiest Job of the 21st Century."  Davenport, Thomas H., and D. J. Patil. "Data Scientist: The Sexiest Job of the 21st Century." Harvard Business Review90, no. 10 (October 2012): 70–76.

Personally, I think I am not so ready with this change because I am not good about IT but I plan to learn about that more. Therefore, I choose to learn master of e-Commerce. Actually, I would like to learn about business information system but it will learn IT too deep. I do not have education or experience about IT. I afraid I will be suffer during I am study. So, I choose e-Commerce which is mixture of business and IT. However, one thing I am waiting for is the effect that I will be able to work less hours than today. In these days, I feel I do not have enough time to manage all thing I want. 

   ___________________________________ 

My question
Are you ready to adapt yourself with this trend? 

______________________________ 

Reference

• Matthew, W. (2018, March 16). Adapt or die: How to cope when robot take your job. BBC News. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/business-43259906

Facebook users private information leak

What I read

In "Facebook data - do we get what we deserve?", Facebook is said to be shameful from the data breach. After around 50 million users information such as personal details, mobile numbers, conversation and IP address were used inappropriately by Cambridge Analytica. Even though some users have deactivated their account, It seems to be meaningless to do because data could also be tracked from their companions. Frederike Kaltheuner (2018) concerned that apart from Facebook, there are many websites still use customers data improperly to hypothesize users though and lifestyle especially free applications and services. Chris Combemale (2018) said this method could destroy customers trust easily which companies who hold lots of customers private information should anxious about. 

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My response 

This article reminded me of how important of my personal information. If you work in marketing areas, you might know how customers data gathering from. I have already know that many companies collect customers behaviors by using their spending records and loyalty card which I think is an acceptable way to get my individual information to plan and develop their products just though myself while Facebook's way is different.

On the other hand, Facebook users data are compiled without knowing from customers. It is assembled by quiz applications which many users use it for enjoyment in order to share their result with their network. After that, quiz creators use that information for many purposes without permission such as age, a city where the user lives in or personal interest. Moreover, they can reach our friend details and person who we are chatting with.

Personally, we should be more careful before signing up or registering in any application. We have to check the list of information that will be taken carefully and uncheck some of them which we do not want to share. Furthermore, we should not put too many private details on our profile such as family members, personal number or a copy of ID card on social media in order to prevent our information will be used improperly.

___________________________________ 

My question

Have you registered or used this kind of application without checking the information is taken from you ?

___________________________________ 

Reference

• Facebook data - do we get what we deserve?. (2018, March 22). BBC News. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-43458107

Plagiarism (B&S3, p36, Study Skill)

What we read

On page 36, we read Stella Cottrell's notes on plagiarism, which is a crime you want to avoid both in your academic work and elsewhere (2013). 

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My response 

In my general notes on the writing process, which is based on ideas that are common in books that teach academic writing, I say that AUA students do not normally need to do research, but this is not true for academic work, where research is a normal part of writing: academics and students in academic courses are expected to use the ideas of other writers. We need to use facts, arguments and other ideas from sources. The use of other people's ideas is a normal part of academic work, and it's important to learn how to properly use sources in these situations. 

This is another reason for our regular blogging of stories in the news. The summary paragraphs we write are entirely other people's ideas, so we must properly tell readers what our sources are. There are strict rules for this, and failing to follow them can have disastrous consequences. For example, in 2011, the German Minister of Defence had his doctorate degree (PhD) withdrawn by the University of Bayreuth, which had awarded it in 2007, when it was discovered that he had plagiarised material in it (Wikipedia contributors, 2018). As the Wikipedia entry tells us, he was subsequently forced to resign from his powerful position in the German government. The university's action is normal for every good university. 

For our first blog writing, I didn't worry about this, but I will in the next weeks. Plagiarism is easy to avoid; don't risk a zero grade by committing this form of corruption. 

Cottrell offers some useful strategies to avoid accidental plagiarism. I think her most useful suggestion is that "Once you can say what the [source says], note it down in your own words" (2013).  I would also emphasise her suggestion that you write your summary without looking at your source, (close the page) and if you do want to copy a few words because they state an idea so perfectly, always put them in quotation marks, which is what I've just done in the previous sentence. If you check my source, Cottrell, you'll see that I changed a couple of her words, which is why they are in [brackets]. Brackets tell your readers that you made a small change inside a quotation from a source. 

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My questions

• Do you agree with Cottrell that some people might be tempted to plagiarise because they lack confidence in their own words?
   
• Do you like her suggestions for avoiding plagiarism? Have you used them before? 

___________________________________ 

References

• Cottrell, S. (2013). Plagiarism. In J. Bixby, & J. Scanlon. Skillful Reading & Writing, Student's Book 3 (p. 36). Oxford: Macmillan Education.
   
• Wikipedia contributors. (2018, March 13). Guttenberg plagiarism scandal. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 13:01, March 16, 2018, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Guttenberg_plagiarism_scandal&oldid=830139599

Design, reading 2 (B&S3, p20, Before you read)

What we read

On page 20, Bixby and Scanlon (2013) give us couple of photographs and some questions to think about and respond to as preparation for the coming reading, "Designing Solutions". 

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Bixby and Scanlon's questions

What are some solutions humans have devised to overcome challenges in the following areas? 

• agriculture / farming
• housing
• transportation 

Choose the topic that most interests you, and start writing your response on that one. If you have time, move on to a second paragraph to respond with your ideas on solutions in the the next topic that interests you. 

___________________________________ 

Reference

• Bixby, J. & Scanlon, J. (2013). Skillful Reading & Writing: Student's Book 3. Oxford: Macmillan Education 

Design: reading 1, "The Metropol Parasol" (B&S3, p19, Developing critical thinking)

What I read

We have just read and checked our understanding of "The Metropol Parasol."

___________________________________ 

Our response 

Having now read the text a couple of times, Bixby and Scanlon now invite us to respond to those idea in a critical thinking exercise.

___________________________________ 

Bixby and Scanlon's questions

Comment on the following questions, which are the critical thinking questions on page 19 (Bixby & Scanlon, 2013), and then reply to at least two of your classmates' comments. 

• Consider the different opinions about the Metropol Parasol. What do you think? What are the advantages and disadvantages of its design?
   
• Think about a public space in your city or town. Which aspects of its design do you like? What would you change about it in order to improve it? 

___________________________________ 

Reference

• Bixby, J. & Scanlon, J. (2013). Skillful Reading & Writing, Student's Book 3. Oxford: Macmillan Education

Getting into Unit 2 = Design (B&S3, p17, Discussion point)

What we read

On page 17 of Skillful, Bixby and Scanlon (2013) use a large photograph and some discussion questions to introduce the topic of unit 2, design, which is also the title of this unit. 

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Bixby and Scanlon's questions

Discuss these questions in a comment. 

• Look at the picture (click to enlarge it). Do you know where it is? What makes it special? 
• What do you like or dislike about the way it is designed?
   
• Think of three other famous buildings or structures from around the world that you feel are well-designed. What makes them interesting or beautiful?
   
• Choose a famous building or structure from your country. What do you like about its design? What do you dislike? 

___________________________________ 

Reference

• Bixby, J. & Scanlon, J. (2013). Skillful Reading & Writing: Student's Book 3. Oxford: Macmillan Education 

Muffin a day doesn't keep doctor away

What I read and watched

In A blueberry muffin 'could have day's worth of sugar' describes how one blueberry muffin contains more than the recommended daily intake of sugar for adults. They looked at 28 muffins sold in food outlets and train stations in England and found that 61% of them contain six spoons of sugar or more. Caroline Cerny, from the Obesity Health Alliance, said: "We may think grabbing a blueberry muffin is a reasonably healthy option for a snack on the go compared to other cakes or a chocolate bar yet the figures suggest otherwise. The organization is now calling for manufacturers to reduce sugar in line with the government's plans to cut it by 20% in common products and also calling for nutrition labelling to be mandatory across all products.

___________________________________ 

My response 

After reading this article, I strongly agree with it. I have baked blueberry muffins myself and I had to put tons of sugar in it otherwise, the taste would not be satisfyingly sweet. Nowadays, people may think grabbing a blueberry muffin or any kind of fruits muffin should be healthier than having a chocolate bar but actually, it is not that way. Sugar is the main factor which leads to obesity or health problems. I think calling for nutrition labelling is necessary. Normally, Muffins does not have a nutrition label on them which consumers are not able to know how much sugar they take per each muffin. Labelling lets consumers or parents know information about food and snack they are going to buy for themselves and their children.

Candies and sugar are common to see in hands of children. They are favorite things for mostly everyone. As you know, Yummy stuffs mostly are not healthy, for instance, fast foods, pizzas, cheese, and desserts. they are all taste good but not as healthy as vegetables. In addition, more and more percents of people get diabetes each year. Even though sugar is necessary for the human body and also huge source of energy, People should follow recommended a daily intake which is seven spoons for adults and six spoons for children

I have seen the video about Norway has raised its sugar tax by 83% to tackle obesity and prevent overweight problems. which effectively stop people from buying sugar treats. Therefore, only one in six children is overweight in Norway. They have introduced sugar tax since 1922. As a result, candy in Norway is expensive. I think this is a very smart way to protect their own people from obesity. which does not harm anybody and it is also reasonable.

___________________________________

My question

Do you think you exceed recommended sugar per day or not?
What would be the best way to make people consume less sugar and follow the recommended daily intake. Should we follow Norway?

___________________________________ 

Reference

• A blueberry muffin 'could have day's worth of sugar'. (2018, March 22). BBC News. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/health-43486072

What I read

Hairstyle can cause baldness.

In "I had a transplant after my hairstyle made me go bald", Holden told that Paigey Cakey had a problem with Traction alopecia--hair loss caused by too tight hairstyles, such as corn rows, dreadlocks and ponytails, and hair straightening chemicals--and covered up bald patches with mascara to make herself confident. She realized that the hair in the bald areas did nor grow back, so she traveled to Turkey where the cost cheaper than the UK, to transplant 3,400 hair follicles. She said the hair transplant was painless but the injections to numb parts of her head were very painful she had ever experienced. Her head swollen twice its size with blood dots, but after that she felt better and the hair started growing.

___________________________________ 

My response 

Hair transplant came into my mind since I watched TV program talking about hair loss and transplant.

Genetically, my grandfather, my father and all of his brothers are bald. I have no doubt that why I have wide forehead since I was born (photos of me said that). Because baldness transmits through male genes, so I don't worry much about being bald but hair fall, which can cause baldness as well,  brothers me sometimes.  Last year I have a problem with red rashes on some body parts in contact with water rinsing from my hair when washing. At that time I didn't know the cause of skin problem was shampoo but it must be something allergy. I stopped using the same shampoo and shower cream and used skin products for sensitive skin instead.  The red rashes disappeared after that. Later, I found out that I can use the same skin products I used before but the shampoo is the problem.

After the allergy happened, my scalp is so sensitive that it has acne on hairline and hair starts falling when I use general shampoo. More than that, I hair became more curly than it was before. Although my hair problem is different from Cakey experienced, hair loss is a major concern for many people and hair transplant is a practical treatment to have hair and confidence again.

___________________________________ 

My question

Have you ever experienced hair problem?

___________________________________ 

Reference

• Holden, S. (2018, March 20). I had a transplant after my hairstyle made me go bald. BBC News. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-43329806