Name: Arwen Chen(49712057)
Reaction Article #6
Date: 06/12/2009
At the Bridge Table, Clues to a Lucid Old Age
Reaction
As far as I am concerned, research showing that playing bridge can delay the arrival of dementia or reduce the risk of developing dementia is quite convincing. I greatly believe that doing mental activities keeps the human mind active, therefore it keeps it sharp, keeping it from aging. It is very essential to frequently use our brains, to keep challenging our minds. Take the case of doing Math exercises, my personal experience, which could probably be others’ as well, as an example, my brain got dumb after not taking any math exercise for just 2 days! I always failed to recall the formula and the process of the things that I had been completely familiar with. My brain was like aged, although I was just in my teens. As a result, I can totally understand how significant it is to keep the brain active by doing mental activities such as doing crossword puzzles, reading books, playing bridge because it requires intense observation on the opponents and a strong memory.
After people gone through all the highs and lows in their life, indeed, I mean like they’re in their 70s, 80s, or even more, the rest of their life is as though they are sitting by the last communal campfire before all goes dark. However, they still need something to keep them going. Gladly, bridge intrigues them so much that keeps them so much absorbed in the challenging game. (238)
2009年6月12日 星期五
2009年5月29日 星期五
Drugs in Portugal: Did Decriminalization Work?
Name: Arwen Chen(49712057)
Reaction Article #5
Date: 05/29/2009
Drugs in Portugal: Did Decriminalization Work?
Reaction
It is great that Portugal officially abolishes all criminal penalties for personal possession of drugs and, and the decriminalization appears to work. Nevertheless, despite the statistics seeming going optimistic, I am greatly concerned that it is just facially going well but can not last for long. Just as Peter Reuter notes, a professor of criminology and public policy at the University of Maryland, the cyclical nature of drug epidemics — which tends to occur no matter what policies are in place — may account for the declines in heroin use and deaths.
Apart from that, a policy applying to one country may probably not apply to another. That is, not every country fit the same policy or law alike. Therefore, just as Kleiman put, director of the drug policy analysis program at UCLA, I don’t think Portugal is a realistic model for the US, either, because of differences in and culture between two countries.
After reading this article, what comes into my mind and worth speculating is – whether severe prohibition or offering therapy is more efficient? In my opinion, when something is against me, it would only provoke of my human nature of fighting against, and further, occupying it. As a result, chances are that it would only do the same to the drugos and drug dealers. On the other hand, I can help but question – does the human nature cling to the good forever? How many people are there still preserve the good nature after being polluted by this cruel society? Sometimes at the beginning people are forced to do things that violate social ethics, in order to make a living. But most of time, they lose the very good nature, at the end. (283)
Reaction Article #5
Date: 05/29/2009
Drugs in Portugal: Did Decriminalization Work?
Reaction
It is great that Portugal officially abolishes all criminal penalties for personal possession of drugs and, and the decriminalization appears to work. Nevertheless, despite the statistics seeming going optimistic, I am greatly concerned that it is just facially going well but can not last for long. Just as Peter Reuter notes, a professor of criminology and public policy at the University of Maryland, the cyclical nature of drug epidemics — which tends to occur no matter what policies are in place — may account for the declines in heroin use and deaths.
Apart from that, a policy applying to one country may probably not apply to another. That is, not every country fit the same policy or law alike. Therefore, just as Kleiman put, director of the drug policy analysis program at UCLA, I don’t think Portugal is a realistic model for the US, either, because of differences in and culture between two countries.
After reading this article, what comes into my mind and worth speculating is – whether severe prohibition or offering therapy is more efficient? In my opinion, when something is against me, it would only provoke of my human nature of fighting against, and further, occupying it. As a result, chances are that it would only do the same to the drugos and drug dealers. On the other hand, I can help but question – does the human nature cling to the good forever? How many people are there still preserve the good nature after being polluted by this cruel society? Sometimes at the beginning people are forced to do things that violate social ethics, in order to make a living. But most of time, they lose the very good nature, at the end. (283)
2009年5月9日 星期六
Does Facebook Replace Face Time or Enhance It?
Name: Arwen Chen (49712057)
Reaction Article#4
Date: 05/08/2009
Does Facebook Replace Face Time or Enhance It?
Reaction:
What a coincidence! I’ve just enrolled as a member of Facebook a few minutes ago in order to browse some photos taken by my friend before I read this article. In my opinion, this article, very much, worth speculating.
For sure, there always are pros and cons about everything.
To name some advantages, indeed, social websites like Facebook enable people to convey information without actual body interaction. And that sometimes saves the hassle of having to socializing when you don’t want to or are not in the mood to. On the other hand, I agree that there is a decent positive advantage social websites have brought about - they have, in spite of the different time and place, brought me closer to my friends, including not only the one’s I’m already in regular contact with, but also the ones I had not been quite familiar with, and even the faraway ones.
I had been a member of Myspace, which is also a social websites. It had been all fun at the beginning. However, after a few weeks, I came to sense that people seemed just superficially gather friends. The number of friends on the friend lists appears to equal one’s popularity. Everyone wanted to be popular. Does he/she really care about how you are? Does he/she really drop a line just to say hi? In my opinion, his/her actual purpose was to see as many comments back on the comment book as possible. It went boring afterwards. Therefore, I got tired of it.
All in all, there’s no denying that advanced technology conquers more and more difficulties and inconveniences as well. In any case, only wise people are able to make good use of it. (285)
Reaction Article#4
Date: 05/08/2009
Does Facebook Replace Face Time or Enhance It?
Reaction:
What a coincidence! I’ve just enrolled as a member of Facebook a few minutes ago in order to browse some photos taken by my friend before I read this article. In my opinion, this article, very much, worth speculating.
For sure, there always are pros and cons about everything.
To name some advantages, indeed, social websites like Facebook enable people to convey information without actual body interaction. And that sometimes saves the hassle of having to socializing when you don’t want to or are not in the mood to. On the other hand, I agree that there is a decent positive advantage social websites have brought about - they have, in spite of the different time and place, brought me closer to my friends, including not only the one’s I’m already in regular contact with, but also the ones I had not been quite familiar with, and even the faraway ones.
I had been a member of Myspace, which is also a social websites. It had been all fun at the beginning. However, after a few weeks, I came to sense that people seemed just superficially gather friends. The number of friends on the friend lists appears to equal one’s popularity. Everyone wanted to be popular. Does he/she really care about how you are? Does he/she really drop a line just to say hi? In my opinion, his/her actual purpose was to see as many comments back on the comment book as possible. It went boring afterwards. Therefore, I got tired of it.
All in all, there’s no denying that advanced technology conquers more and more difficulties and inconveniences as well. In any case, only wise people are able to make good use of it. (285)
2009年4月9日 星期四
A Quiet Revolution Grows in the Muslim World
Name: Arwen Chen (49712057)Reaction Article#3Date: 04/10/2009
A Quiet Revolution Grows in the Muslim World
Reaction
Speaking of the Muslim world, what comes into our minds are such images as women wearing black robes with turbans covering their hair, men wearing white robes and with turbans as well. Bin Ladin, for example, is the typical image of the Muslim. Additionally, when it comes to the Muslim, what we always relate to is “suicide attacks”, for the most sensational instance, the 911 attack, as if all the Muslims are terrorists. To do them justice, that’s totally not fair to jump into such a judgment. Well goes a saying, “One swallow doesn’t make a summer.” Being biased is not something we’re proud of. So no more stereotype on anybody, ok?
According to the Muslims friends I’m accustomed to, they are quite modern, they catch up with the times, they drive BMW, they listen to American rap music, they dress like us, they joke, and we share mutual sense of humour, They seem accept western culture and are greatly influenced by it. Therefore, I believe it is the few activists that would go to the extremity, doing this well-planned yet super irrational and selfish attack, and I believe the rest is just as peace-loving as us, hungering for a new era of peace, concordance and tranquility throughout the globe.
To full extent, I appreciate the young generation of the Muslim has been working on a nonviolent revolution for the past couples of decades, to reform their tradition, trying to mix modernity and religion.
At the end, I can’t agree more on this-“Peace can only be shared, never imposed.”(259)
A Quiet Revolution Grows in the Muslim World
Reaction
Speaking of the Muslim world, what comes into our minds are such images as women wearing black robes with turbans covering their hair, men wearing white robes and with turbans as well. Bin Ladin, for example, is the typical image of the Muslim. Additionally, when it comes to the Muslim, what we always relate to is “suicide attacks”, for the most sensational instance, the 911 attack, as if all the Muslims are terrorists. To do them justice, that’s totally not fair to jump into such a judgment. Well goes a saying, “One swallow doesn’t make a summer.” Being biased is not something we’re proud of. So no more stereotype on anybody, ok?
According to the Muslims friends I’m accustomed to, they are quite modern, they catch up with the times, they drive BMW, they listen to American rap music, they dress like us, they joke, and we share mutual sense of humour, They seem accept western culture and are greatly influenced by it. Therefore, I believe it is the few activists that would go to the extremity, doing this well-planned yet super irrational and selfish attack, and I believe the rest is just as peace-loving as us, hungering for a new era of peace, concordance and tranquility throughout the globe.
To full extent, I appreciate the young generation of the Muslim has been working on a nonviolent revolution for the past couples of decades, to reform their tradition, trying to mix modernity and religion.
At the end, I can’t agree more on this-“Peace can only be shared, never imposed.”(259)
2009年3月26日 星期四
India's Ultracheap Car Arrives with Load of Uncertainties
Name: Arwen Chen (49712057)
Reaction Article#2
Date: 03/27/2009
India's Ultracheap Car Arrives with Load of Uncertainties
Personally, I am pretty sure that with its emergence in the nowadays market, India’s Tata Nano car is bound to be the boom with absolute certainty. Drawbacks as many as there might be, the economic slowdown and the spiking gas price lead people not to be too picky about things. Moreover, during the bad times of economic crisis and the continuing change of global climate and the oil prices creeping back up, who is able to resist such car that is tiny, tiny, cheap, fuel-efficient, and environmental-friendly? More importantly, I believe the very theory– “As the price decreases, the demand increases,” just as head of Asia forecasting at J.D. Power & Associates puts,” It goes without saying, a good car at a low price will sell well in global markets.” Therefore, I hold the opinion that the demand for the Nano will absolutely grow around the world. And I’m also confident that there’s going to be a huge market for it! Furthermore, if the Nano is successful, it is surely going to bring about benefits to the whole chain and material manufacturers related.
At the same time, “Nothing is impossible.” However people respond to our unusual ideas, we ought to dream on.(203)
Reaction Article#2
Date: 03/27/2009
India's Ultracheap Car Arrives with Load of Uncertainties
Personally, I am pretty sure that with its emergence in the nowadays market, India’s Tata Nano car is bound to be the boom with absolute certainty. Drawbacks as many as there might be, the economic slowdown and the spiking gas price lead people not to be too picky about things. Moreover, during the bad times of economic crisis and the continuing change of global climate and the oil prices creeping back up, who is able to resist such car that is tiny, tiny, cheap, fuel-efficient, and environmental-friendly? More importantly, I believe the very theory– “As the price decreases, the demand increases,” just as head of Asia forecasting at J.D. Power & Associates puts,” It goes without saying, a good car at a low price will sell well in global markets.” Therefore, I hold the opinion that the demand for the Nano will absolutely grow around the world. And I’m also confident that there’s going to be a huge market for it! Furthermore, if the Nano is successful, it is surely going to bring about benefits to the whole chain and material manufacturers related.
At the same time, “Nothing is impossible.” However people respond to our unusual ideas, we ought to dream on.(203)
2009年3月12日 星期四
A Web Awash in Liquor Ads, Promoting Moderation
Name: Arwen Chen (49712057)
Reaction Article#1
Date: 03/013/2009
A Web Awash in Liquor Ads, Promoting Moderation
Seriously speaking, drinking has always been a huge issue for these decades. To make matters worse, the economic depression may even drives people to seek for comfort, or a shelter to temporarily unload the heavy pressure on their shoulder, forgetting all the intolerable undesirability, even for merely a few moment. Sadly to say, very few people are able to control themselves, but to give in to the temptation of the liquor, beer, and wine. As a result, the market of alcoholic beverages is bound to grow.
We all realize or have heard that “alcohol is a poison.”. It’s absolutely got the force to make one turn into another one, someone you totally don’t recognize. Well said! I can’t agree more. I have seen one of my close families turned into a monster, a stranger, and an idiot, doing stupid things, saying stupid and silly words. And that is the last thing I want to see again. I don’t want it to happen anymore. Much to all my family’s relief, after continuous persuasion and concerning his own health condition, he’s not drinking a lot recently.
However, does everyone know when to stop?
We need efforts from all circles to promote moderation for sure.
Indeed, the responsibility campaign is an effective counterweight to activists who seek to limit or ban advertising for beer, wine and liquor. Enjoying alcohol isn’t bad. What matters is that we ought to enjoy it in an absolutely responsible and moderate way.
All in all, as citizens of the global village, let’s endeavor to better the world!(267)
Reaction Article#1
Date: 03/013/2009
A Web Awash in Liquor Ads, Promoting Moderation
Seriously speaking, drinking has always been a huge issue for these decades. To make matters worse, the economic depression may even drives people to seek for comfort, or a shelter to temporarily unload the heavy pressure on their shoulder, forgetting all the intolerable undesirability, even for merely a few moment. Sadly to say, very few people are able to control themselves, but to give in to the temptation of the liquor, beer, and wine. As a result, the market of alcoholic beverages is bound to grow.
We all realize or have heard that “alcohol is a poison.”. It’s absolutely got the force to make one turn into another one, someone you totally don’t recognize. Well said! I can’t agree more. I have seen one of my close families turned into a monster, a stranger, and an idiot, doing stupid things, saying stupid and silly words. And that is the last thing I want to see again. I don’t want it to happen anymore. Much to all my family’s relief, after continuous persuasion and concerning his own health condition, he’s not drinking a lot recently.
However, does everyone know when to stop?
We need efforts from all circles to promote moderation for sure.
Indeed, the responsibility campaign is an effective counterweight to activists who seek to limit or ban advertising for beer, wine and liquor. Enjoying alcohol isn’t bad. What matters is that we ought to enjoy it in an absolutely responsible and moderate way.
All in all, as citizens of the global village, let’s endeavor to better the world!(267)
2009年1月8日 星期四
How Fat Went Global
Name: Arwen Chen (49712057)
Reaction Article #13
Date:01/09/2009
From: Newsweek
Reactions
According to “How Fat Went Global,” it is not just the American anymore; the whole world is becoming obese, and we have more than just the advent of cheap cheeseburgers to blame.
It is so true and obvious that it is not just Americans, or even Western cultures; obesity has become a global phenomenon and, problem.
As far as I am concerned, the most main factor that leads to such is that as a result of globalization, the export by America spreads the fast food industry to all corners of the globe, people around the whole can savour the junk food which used to be the privilege of the Americans. As a matter of fact, nowadays, it is not only the American’s national problem but that of a score of all the other countries.
As for the matter of people getting obese, I don’t think the government should take the responsibility, for it is the individual who choose what they eat rather than being forced to eat anything they don’t want to eat. Therefore, I strongly think that it is the individual who are supposed to take responsibility for their own health and their behavior. Furthermore, it is, in my opinion, sad and pitiful to wait and expect the government to take care of their health and diet style. (219)
Reaction Article #13
Date:01/09/2009
From: Newsweek
Reactions
According to “How Fat Went Global,” it is not just the American anymore; the whole world is becoming obese, and we have more than just the advent of cheap cheeseburgers to blame.
It is so true and obvious that it is not just Americans, or even Western cultures; obesity has become a global phenomenon and, problem.
As far as I am concerned, the most main factor that leads to such is that as a result of globalization, the export by America spreads the fast food industry to all corners of the globe, people around the whole can savour the junk food which used to be the privilege of the Americans. As a matter of fact, nowadays, it is not only the American’s national problem but that of a score of all the other countries.
As for the matter of people getting obese, I don’t think the government should take the responsibility, for it is the individual who choose what they eat rather than being forced to eat anything they don’t want to eat. Therefore, I strongly think that it is the individual who are supposed to take responsibility for their own health and their behavior. Furthermore, it is, in my opinion, sad and pitiful to wait and expect the government to take care of their health and diet style. (219)
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