They're Baaack

Name: Arwen Chen (49712057)
Reaction Article #12
Date:12/26/2008
From: Newsweek

Reactions
According to “They’re Baaaack,” with economic pressures mounting, more adult children are moving back home, putting a crimp in mom and dad's second honeymoon.

If I were married and had adult children that were moving back home to live with me and my husband due to the economic depression, I would definitely welcome them to move back in for sure. Indeed, for my kids, moving back can not only save their money on rent but also on other various payments, such as water, electricity, gas, etc. However, their moving back doesn’t mean that they don’t have to anything for the house. Instead, of course, they still have to share the home’s chores and responsibilities and payments.

Although I agree with Andrea saying “it was wonderful to really get a chance to get to know each other again as a couple – not a couple with kids,” but sometimes reality bites, so we’ve got to come to terms with it. I’m sure it would be wonderful to have and enjoy the time that only me and my partner without having to take care of children, which is our second honeymoon; however, in my opinion, living with adult children doesn’t mean that we won’t have our privacy anymore and can’t to anything we want to do. In contrast, since me and my husband and my children all r adult, I believe there is a healthy degree of mutual respect between us.

Above all, my house is never close to my children. (248)

Iraq Veteran Suffers Woulds That Can't Be Seen

Name: Arwen Chen (49712057)
Reaction Article #11
Date:12/20/2008
From: NPR

Reactions
According to “Iraq Veteran Suffers Wounds That Can't Be Seen,” we might be able to tell some people were in the military by just looking at them. But if we walk past John Blaufus on the streets or ran into him somewhere, we might never guess what this tattooed, shaggy-haired 26-year-old has gone through and that he has witnessed some of the worst the Iraq war had to offer.

I feel deeply sorry for John, and for all the vets as well as the soldiers who fight for their countries, being such dedicated to their orders, jobs, commanders, and countries. They are a real group of patriotism. Certainly, they should be treated with great respect and care.

Nevertheless, war, indeed, swallows the part of the soul, damaging people not merely physically but mentally as well. And the consequences of war are always ruinous, making people go crazy, living in various kinds of disorder after coming back from the military. It is trauma everyone involved, the vets included. In my opinion, all returning vets should be treated for trauma. They deserve all the best help that is available for them at government expense because it is they whose lives are at stake and who run the risk of getting killed in wars.

May those stories and voices continue to be shared to raise awareness of the tenderness and need for love and understanding. (232)

Life Is Sweet

Name: Arwen Chen (49712057)
Reaction Article #10
Date:12/12/2008
From: Daily Mail

Life Is Sweet

My reactions
Faye Clark, 26, began her food-tasting career in her native South Africa and had to re-educate her palate when she moved to Britain, has already nabbed lots of people’s dream job including mine, and rejoices in the job title of Dessert Product Developer for Marks & Spencer.
Oh! How I wish I could also be a pudding taster! Pudding has always been one of my favorite desserts since I was born! I would so much love to eat and savor it everyday in my whole life. And I would definitely never get tired of it for I love it this much!

Apart from being a pudding taster, I also crave for the job of being an ice cream taster, in that I love ice cream incredibly much as well, not to mention that it is also on my list of “Top Favorite Food.”

Other than that, there is one more kind of taster I die for being- a puff taster. Well, you might have noticed that I’ve got such a sweet tooth. But I can’t help it! The foods on my Top Favorite Food list are so delicious that I can’t resist any of them!

However, indeed, being a food taster is not a totally amazing thing, for you need to watch for controlling your weight all the time in case your body going out of shape. Oh dear, that is such a nuisance, isn’t that? And that makes eating foods I like not so enjoyable anymore, and life become not so pleasant from then on.

Oh well, I’d better give up being a taster then. (266)

The Smile in the Sky

Name: Arwen Chen (49712057)
Reaction Article #9
Date:12/05/2008
From: Daily Mail

The Smile in the Sky

My reactions
At December 2nd 2008 night, a rare cosmic alignment of the planets Venus and Jupiter meant they produced a smiling face with the crescent moon in the sky. This unusual phenomenon, with Venus as the left eye and Jupiter the right, took place between 8pm and 11pm. The cosmic cheer is not due to reappear in the skies over Australia until 2036.

What a pity! At around 8:30pm that night when I was rehearsing our English drama, my dad called and told me about this smiley moon, saying the scene was quite beautiful and introduced me to appreciate it as well. I walked out of the Language Center, and looked for the moon. Sadly, I couldn’t find it, for the tall trees along the roads blocked my sight. Therefore, I walked back to the Language Center, with a little disappointment.

As I back to the dorm. I went on searching for the “smiley moon”. After looking around in the sky for like 10 minutes at the cold night, I hated to announce that I failed again. These tall buildings might have been the vital factor that made my sight blocked again.

Okay. This time the mysterious “smiley face” did successfully and entirely arouse my intense curiosity about it. Therefore, I googled it on the Internet and then saw the news about it with several pictures attached.

At the sight of those pictures, I was blown away. This huge smiley face in the sky indeed made me smile. And it was so cute and beautiful! Never have I had a chance to take a look at such an amazing appearance of the sky. Therefore, I hope I’ll get to take in such a spectacular scene in person in year 2036. (289)

Death of Baby P

Name: Arwen Chen (49712057)
Reaction Article #8
Date:11/28/2008
From: News Week

Death of Baby P

My Reactions

Baby P, age a year and a half, died on Aug. 3, 2007, after many months of shocking abuse by the three, ending up with a broken back and 50 other wounds and injuries; upon autopsy, a tooth that had been knocked out of his mouth by a blow was found in his colon. The little baby had 8 broken ribs a broken back his left ear lobe was ripped from the side of the head his was missing 6 finger nails and the tip of his left middle finger was cut off. The fatal injury was a blow to the head. What has made the reaction even worse is that this all took place despite 60 visits to his home by social workers, police and other authorities. One social worker on a home visit only a week before the child's death was fooled by the chocolate the mother had hurriedly smeared all over his wounds, to hide them during the visit.

I am horrified and feel deeply saddened by this tragedy that baby P suffered. This precious baby was repeatedly tortured by a group of monsters for 17 months of his short life then left to die in agony. How could these three monsters, his mother, his step father and the lodger, have done such cruel abuse! Such a thing is not allowed to happen at all! Little baby P should have been shown lots of love in his short life instead of all these inhumane, vicious, malicious, evil deeds!

Imaging a scene that a little baby being tortured crying but still opening his big eyes, asking for hugs and comfort, at the end, being tortured to death, alone, I feel totally saddened and distraught at the thought baby P going through such pain.

Little baby P reminds me of my little adorable cousin, Eric. If such a thing ever would happen around my life, say, Eric being abused by his parents, I would definitely call the police whoever his parents are! I would definitely protect my cousin and try my best to separate his parents from him.

Back to where we were. Justice ought to be served and I hope all 3 murderers are tortured in the most horrific manner imaginable in jail everyday. As for the mother, she does not deserve to have children. She is completely mentally ill. Also, the social workers, doctors and other responsible parties should be punished as well. I cannot believe what this poor baby went through while the people who were paid, and so called highly trained, argued over what to do with him. They totally failed in the job that they were well paid to do. The authorities where meant to protect him and they failed him terribly. Everyone on the Harringey Social Services team involved should be sacked. They must feel the pain that the pure innocent little angel suffered throughout his short life.

May little baby P rest in peace. (330)

Will My Marriage Last

Name: Arwen Chen (49712057)
Reaction Article #7
Date:11/21/2008
From: News Week

My Reactions
Mr. Jefferson, who is a homosexual, got married last Saturday with his man. However he has to bear the possibility that the validity of the marriage might fail as the Preposition 8 passes. Will his marriage last? Next Tuesday, Californians will head to the polls. How millions of strangers cast their votes will affect the most intimate parts of his life.

In my opinion, as long as two individuals love each other whatever their genders and races are, they can get married, and they definitely deserve the rights. To me, getting married, positively, has its own significant meaning. It is not only about signing a social contract but also a commitment I make with my partner- I’m settling down, I want to live the rest of my life with my man. And I believe that is also a few others’ perspective. Since I am guaranteed the freedom of getting married, homosexuals are entitled to as well. Therefore, love should be the most fundamental reason for marriage and that people should be free to choose their marriage partners on the basis of it.

Besides, I oppose to the opinion that children can be turned homosexuals if they encounter ones or learn anything about the “homosexual lifestyle.” Being homosexual is a matter of hormones. The reason why in the past there weren’t gays or lesbians known is because that it was not accepted by the multitude. Now that the social trend is getting more and more freethinking, it is about time to free them from this suppression.(255)

Scientist gives beauty some of its mystery back - for now

Name: Arwen Chen (49712057)
Reaction Article #6
Date:11/07/2008
From: World Science

My Reactions

According to “Scientist gives beauty some of its mystery back – for now,” much scientific opinion has gathered in support of the answer –beauty is just the average and the result suggests that averageness is one component of attractiveness.

In my opinion, it’s a really interesting and impressive report. At first I was rather surprised at the result, for I used to think that it was the uniqueness that made a beauty. However, after a while I came to realize and agree with the result which also supports my personal theory–in general, an individual with a great diversity of genes is likely to possess a better-looking or even good-looking face. Actually I have always thought that one with more sunken eyeholes and a straight and outstanding nose compose a good-looking face. For instance, the mixed-blood are always thought of as beautiful girls or handsome boys. By “the mixed-blood” I mean are not only referred to the interracial people such as the half Asian-half Caucasian and the half Latin-half Negro but also referred to the half Aborigine-half Hokkien as well as the half Hakka-half Hokkien. According to my observation, most of them are quite good-looking individuals. Therefore, I think the greater diversity of their genes account for such a phenomenon.(224)

China's Only Children Face Great Expectations

Name: Arwen Chen (49712057)
Reaction Article #5
Date:10/31/2008
From: NPR


My Reaction

According to “China's Only Children Face Great Expectations,” since 1980, China has had a one-child policy. If you have a second kid, you pay a stiff fine — unless you're a member of a national minority, or you and your spouse are both only children, or there's some other exception.

In my opinion, the “one-child policy” is not a too bad policy; it’s quite reasonable, instead. As the result of the increasingly rapid growth of the population in China, China stands the country with the highest numbers of population in the world. Some people might think it a good thing, for the traditional concept that “the more people there are, the more strength there is.” However, it’s not necessary a good thing due to the emergence of modernization and industrialization, resulting to machines that substitute for man power, thus factories no longer need as many laborers as in the past. In addition, problems brought about owning to the excessive growing of pupolation in china, have appeared and affected the whole society and environment. And they will not only become worse and worse if some measures are not taken to prevent them, but also level down the living standard greatly.

For the reasons mentioned above, I am of the one-child policy conducted in China.(223)

The Death of the Rock Star

Name: Arwen Chen(49712057)
Reaction Article #4
Date:10/24/2008
From: NPR

My Reactions
According to Carrie Brownstein in “The Death of the Rock Star,” she is of the opinion that rock stars are dying because of being less mysterious and godlike.

As far as I am concerned, I firmly believe that Rock& roll music never dies. Besides, I don’t think that the rock stars has died away. Even though times changes, so do the artists change with it, what draws fans to artists is finding something in them, their music or art that reflects ourselves or inspires to be more like them in some way, such as us learning some spirit from them. Their music speaks out exactly what we think, what we want-that’s why we get addicted to it. Moreover, It’s like we can attain great comfort from listening to their music, as if we are not alone, there’s someone understanding us.

The connectivity and information of the world we now live in makes it impossible for us to forget that rock stars are just normal people, just like us. Knowing that they are regular people like us means that if someone like them can create something so wonderful then maybe- just maybe- I have the potential to do something wonderful, too. That’s a quite encouraging effect to us, isn’t that? Furthermore, Knowing that they’re regular people doesn’t stop me from worshipping them. I still love their songs. They don’t have to be godlike at all. What’s better, it makes us feel that they’re closer to us, not so untouchable.

I totally agree with this saying,”the music is where the real power lies.” Plus, rock stars will live on, as long as the music never dies.(285)

Iceland needs IMF aid, says local minister

Name: Arwen Chen(49712057)
Reaction Article #3
Date:10/172008
From: China Post

My Reactions
According to AFP in “Iceland needs IMF aid, says local minister,” Iceland is at the risk of national bankrupt owing to its domestic bank crisis and global financial crisis.

“Iceland is going national bankrupt.”

“What? Are you kidding? How could this thing possibly happen? Iceland has been a quite rich country, hasn’t it?” Those questions all flashed into my mind at the same time at the sight of my reading the news on the headline of China Post.

What a huge shock! It is so unbelievable that I still can’t believe it even though three days have passed since the day I happened to see this piece of unexpected shocking news.

However, knowing that Iceland is under heavy debt, asking Russia for a load to stop the collapse of its economy, I feel greatly concerned with the Icelandic people, for more and more people’s lives are bound to get tougher and tougher, causing them to become more and more pessimistic and gloomy. As a consequence, suicide occurs, which is the last thing everyone expects to see.

I hope that an economic program which could be worked out with the Icelandic authorities will be come up with soon to tide over not only this country, Iceland, but also the financial crisis of the entire world. And I also earnestly hope that all the Icelandic people won’t lose their faith;instead they work together and fight with the panick situation, and survive the hard times.(255)

Surveillance of Skype Messages Found in China

Name: Arwen Chen(49712057)
Reaction Article #2
Date:10/10/2008
From: New York Times

My Reactions:
According to John Markoff in “Surveillance of Skype Messages Found in China,” China was discovered a huge Surveillance system monitoring and archiving certain conversations including politically charged words.

As far as I am concerned, I’ve heard of the China government keeping a watchful eye on her people’s opinions on public affairs, expression of their political views. Therefore, it is no surprise to know this piece of news actually. Judging from the news, we, again, obtain another proof that in the china country people do not have complete freedom in expressing their point of views; instead, they still have been kept under tight surveillance—which is not supposed to exist in a democratic country. As a result, I think it quite pathetic of China to do such a thing.

On the other hand, although The United State has also set some kind of monitoring system, since the outbreak of Sep. 11 attacks, to filter phone calls and Internet communications flowing into and out of the country, her purpose is totally different from China’s. The former purpose is to hunt for evidence of terrorist activity, while the latter one is to suppress ideas, thoughts, to block information transmitted out of China which might do harm to its prestige or violate doctrines of the government of China, so as to control the thinking of her people.

All in all, from the news I just read, I again realize what fake democracy is.(239)

Tainted Milk Powder

Name:Arwen Chen(49712057)
Reaction Article #1
Date:10/08/2008
From:ICRT

Milk Powder

Nearly 10 percent of milk samples from three top Chinese dairy companies was tainted with melamine, the government quality watchdog found after testing for the banned chemical that has killed four children.

A nationwide check found melamine contamination in dairy products ran wider than the tainted milk powder that has made thousands of infants ill and sparked a widening scandal.

The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine pointed its finger at two of China's top dairy producers.

Almost one-tenth of liquid milk batches from Meng-niu Dairy and Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group contained melamine, a compound banned in food.

Several samples of liquid milk from the Bright dairy group also had the substance, which can be used to bamboozle quality checks.

My Reactions:

Chinese milk powder killed 4 children, victims number on the rise.

These days a scandle broke out wide-known about the milk powder in China around the world. To our great shock,that tainted milk powder was even made by three top famous dairy companies of china. Sadly speaking, it has killed four innocent children and sickened nearly 53000 babies. What’s worse, we have no idea if still there are parents not knowing this sensational incident, keeping feeding their kids with that deadly milk powder, putting them in great danger.

I feel completely sorry for the death, extremely indignant at those vicious dairy companies. However, what is done cannot be undone. Not only looking into all the substances which all the dairy products contain but also investigating all the other products are top priorities the authorities concerned should take in no time. In my opinion, these conscienceless supercriminals should be sentenced to life imprisonment. Taking this punishment is the best method of showing their responsibility which they are definitely supposed to take for this tragedy. They have done something offensive to God and reason, and been ruthless and devoid of human feelings, for their own benefit. Obviously these supercriminals did not care about what consequences would be brought about when thinking up such an evil idea, starting such immoral business.

Nevertheless, what we have to do is prevent tragedies from happening again but cry for spilt milk. We do not lack tragedies but happiness- something we never have too much.(237)