As a weapon of mass destruction, the nuclear bomb has been widely feared. It has only been used twice in the course of warfare: Two atomic bombs were dropped by the United States at the end of World War II in Japanese cities Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The bombings took away the lives of 200,000 citizens of Japan. One might think it was senseless civilian murder for the US to target Japan with atomic bombs, but compared to the death toll of World War II which was estimated from 62 million to 78 million, it was a good choice to make when so many other lives were saved and most importantly, the war was stopped.
The atomic bomb brought the war to a close. Although the war would have ended sooner or later, ending it earlier is always a better choice. Who knows how many more deaths would have been incurred? How many more buildings destroyed? How much more damage caused between the relationships of the countries? Furthermore, as we recall the strong spirit of the Japanese back in those times tell us that the Japanese will never surrender so easily, unless extreme measures were taken. To reinforce this, 67 cities have already been bombed - The ultimatum has to be used.
Then again, the US cannot be entirely blamed for this bombing. This is the first time any country is using the atomic bomb as a weapon, and hence the US were also not very clear about the effects of the atomic bomb. Even if it was a little too extreme, it brought an end to the massive World War II.
However, the US have no considered that the atomic bombs are dropped on the innocents that did not even participate in the war. What rights to they have to destroy the lives of the innocent, and destroy the lives of generations after due to the harmful radiation from the bomb? 145,000 people died on the impact of the bomb, and tens of thousands died later on due to the hazardous radiation leading to irreversible health problems. Is this death toll the true price to pay to end the war? The Japanese economy were already collapsing - The US should have known this earlier and might not even have resorted to the ultimatum of the atomic bomb. With the notion in mind that the war was going to end sooner or later, many lives might actually be saved!
It is a constant debate - But sends out a message to all countries: Never ever go to war so easily again... You might find yourself isolated, you might find yourself the target of an atomic bomb.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
How to Raise a Global Kid?
This topic has been an interesting one, and many questions have come to my head in the course of reading the article.
Is it necessary to be able to speak different languages in order to succeed in the later part of your life? This answer has been proven time and time again that the ability to speak various languages gives individuals a significant advantage over others. For example, the most obvious point are that certain jobs and employees are required to be able to speak a certain number of languages in order to host certain people from all over the world (who, of course, speak different languages) and communicate with them. Sometimes when kids grow up they wish to travel around the world, and with the aid of language understanding they are able to converse fluently, and hence gain a more in-depth understanding of the cultures all over the world.
When raising a kid, what are the essential pre-requisite attributes and abilities that the the children should have? By attributes I mean leadership, compassion, hardworkingness, etc. And by abilities I mean skills such as a musical understanding, or perhaps sports. As the Tiger Mom issue has shown, children certainly do benefit a lot from certain essential skills, and however frustrating and exasperating it is for the children in their teenage youth and childhood, they always grow up to be outstanding people. All these celebrities and successful businessmen or actors, etc, have one thing in common: They always look back and thank their parents for making them do this, do that. Students nowadays should think about this: If parents 'force' you to learn the piano, sometimes it is really good for you and you should listen to them. As for the issue of pre-requisite attributes, there is not really a correct or wrong answer. As long as the child is able to stand up for himself in life, to be independent and to be able to support himself then he is fine. To what extent is he going to live his life and 'support himself' will be another issue. Certainly, to be hardworking is important. As Einstein has said, success is 99% hard work and 1% genius. Einstein himself was a genius, yet he credited to much of his success to hard work. Americans give their children almost absolute freedom. This has to be limited in a way, because freedom can only be give to those with responsibility. Only when they are able to take care of themselves and make sure things are done can they be given freedom.
Then again, when children grow up what will they need in order to succeed? As Jim Rogers, a writer in America, has said, the level of knowledge in American is decreasing. America's education have been on a decline. It will "hurt" them in one way or another, and sooner or later the economy and eventually politics will be dominated by the East. The education in the East is distinctly different from that of America, and American will have to change that if they wish to maintain their position as the richest and strongest country in the world.
Is it necessary to be able to speak different languages in order to succeed in the later part of your life? This answer has been proven time and time again that the ability to speak various languages gives individuals a significant advantage over others. For example, the most obvious point are that certain jobs and employees are required to be able to speak a certain number of languages in order to host certain people from all over the world (who, of course, speak different languages) and communicate with them. Sometimes when kids grow up they wish to travel around the world, and with the aid of language understanding they are able to converse fluently, and hence gain a more in-depth understanding of the cultures all over the world.
When raising a kid, what are the essential pre-requisite attributes and abilities that the the children should have? By attributes I mean leadership, compassion, hardworkingness, etc. And by abilities I mean skills such as a musical understanding, or perhaps sports. As the Tiger Mom issue has shown, children certainly do benefit a lot from certain essential skills, and however frustrating and exasperating it is for the children in their teenage youth and childhood, they always grow up to be outstanding people. All these celebrities and successful businessmen or actors, etc, have one thing in common: They always look back and thank their parents for making them do this, do that. Students nowadays should think about this: If parents 'force' you to learn the piano, sometimes it is really good for you and you should listen to them. As for the issue of pre-requisite attributes, there is not really a correct or wrong answer. As long as the child is able to stand up for himself in life, to be independent and to be able to support himself then he is fine. To what extent is he going to live his life and 'support himself' will be another issue. Certainly, to be hardworking is important. As Einstein has said, success is 99% hard work and 1% genius. Einstein himself was a genius, yet he credited to much of his success to hard work. Americans give their children almost absolute freedom. This has to be limited in a way, because freedom can only be give to those with responsibility. Only when they are able to take care of themselves and make sure things are done can they be given freedom.
Then again, when children grow up what will they need in order to succeed? As Jim Rogers, a writer in America, has said, the level of knowledge in American is decreasing. America's education have been on a decline. It will "hurt" them in one way or another, and sooner or later the economy and eventually politics will be dominated by the East. The education in the East is distinctly different from that of America, and American will have to change that if they wish to maintain their position as the richest and strongest country in the world.
"Daughter, you're going to marry him!"
Arranged marriages are a common sight all over the world, but debates remain on the question of its justification.
I'm sure many youths base their relationships on their own free choice in modern society. Many a time parents do not even know about their relationships - Let alone decide for them. Although relationships do not certainly lead to marriages, it is a factor in which tells us who decides the marriages, the children or the parents. Youths have a right to choose their own brides - After all, it's their life. They choose who they want to marry. They choose how they wish to spend their adult life. They choose who they wish to spend the second half of their life with. Furthermore, the marriage is for the children anyway and only they will know how the bride or groom is like. Only they themselves know if the other half will make them happy, and live happily ever after.
However, one must come to realize that parents do have a couple of dozens years of experience more than the children. Children are not born to know the dangers and evil of the world, and it is up to the parents to guide them. Some children are caught up with infatuation of another, and in the end falls apart due to the cunning and slyness of the other person. Perhaps he wants to trick your money? Perhaps he just wants you to make love with you for the fun of it? To find true love and live happily ever after is not an easy task, and your parents can certainly help you. After all, they've have so many more years of experience. It will be they who can tell if your future wife or husband truly loves you or not. In order for yourself not to fall into the traps of others, listen to your parents.
I think parents should not have total control over the marriages of their children. The ultimate decision should still be made by the children themselves. However, in making the decision the children should consider all factors and the top priority of factors for them to consider would the reasonable advice from their parents. If they wish to listen or not, it's still up to them.
I'm sure many youths base their relationships on their own free choice in modern society. Many a time parents do not even know about their relationships - Let alone decide for them. Although relationships do not certainly lead to marriages, it is a factor in which tells us who decides the marriages, the children or the parents. Youths have a right to choose their own brides - After all, it's their life. They choose who they want to marry. They choose how they wish to spend their adult life. They choose who they wish to spend the second half of their life with. Furthermore, the marriage is for the children anyway and only they will know how the bride or groom is like. Only they themselves know if the other half will make them happy, and live happily ever after.
However, one must come to realize that parents do have a couple of dozens years of experience more than the children. Children are not born to know the dangers and evil of the world, and it is up to the parents to guide them. Some children are caught up with infatuation of another, and in the end falls apart due to the cunning and slyness of the other person. Perhaps he wants to trick your money? Perhaps he just wants you to make love with you for the fun of it? To find true love and live happily ever after is not an easy task, and your parents can certainly help you. After all, they've have so many more years of experience. It will be they who can tell if your future wife or husband truly loves you or not. In order for yourself not to fall into the traps of others, listen to your parents.
I think parents should not have total control over the marriages of their children. The ultimate decision should still be made by the children themselves. However, in making the decision the children should consider all factors and the top priority of factors for them to consider would the reasonable advice from their parents. If they wish to listen or not, it's still up to them.
Norway Deaths
In the Oslo Bombing and the Utoeya shooting, at least 93 people were dead. Caused by a young man named Breivik, it was one of the worst massacres that occurred in Norway in a very very long time.
Breivik based his actions on Eurabia: A theory in which states that Muslims invaded European society to take over the society.
The attacks have posed a few questions at our society. Are the other races and religions really invading and trying to take over the society? The killings have created this illusion and misbelief about other religions and races. Even now, those who were not affected directly are in some way more cautious and anxious around people of other races and religions. To them, who knows when some guy will pop out screaming, "To hell with the ****!" And start shooting everyone? Aside from that, Norway have also been warned and reminded of how the terrorists activities among other senseless violence and slipped past their defense and prevention. Simply because their history was slightly cleaner than most other countries, that Norway overlooked their security. A society based on the trust between the citizens and the government has been breached - This bond is no longer viable. The government knows that time and time again people will rise to execute terrorist attacks no matter what. Surprisingly, this might be the only minor benefit to not only the Norwegians but also sends out a message to countries all over the world.
Are we safe? This is a question that's been asked all over the world, in every country. The killings have shown how weak the World's society is now. Will this trigger even more terrorist attacks? Will this fuel the anger and hatred towards the society?
Apparently, in his manifesto his main adversary were the Muslims. Another irreversible effect would be that the killings have pulled the society apart, creating a impassable crevice: Muslims no longer have the trust of the Europeans, and the Europeans no longer have the trust of the Muslims as well. Who knows, questions might be rising in people's minds, wondering when will be the next terrorist attack and what will the Muslims do in response?
When will the bond be rebuilt?
The killings, although served as a message and exposed the weak security and defense against terrorism, have sparked off more hatred and controversy amongst the various races and religions. The killings have breached the bond of trust between members of the society, of different races and religions and nationalities, and might trigger the violent response from certain extremists and terrorists groups as well, placing citizens from all over the world in peril.
Breivik based his actions on Eurabia: A theory in which states that Muslims invaded European society to take over the society.
The attacks have posed a few questions at our society. Are the other races and religions really invading and trying to take over the society? The killings have created this illusion and misbelief about other religions and races. Even now, those who were not affected directly are in some way more cautious and anxious around people of other races and religions. To them, who knows when some guy will pop out screaming, "To hell with the ****!" And start shooting everyone? Aside from that, Norway have also been warned and reminded of how the terrorists activities among other senseless violence and slipped past their defense and prevention. Simply because their history was slightly cleaner than most other countries, that Norway overlooked their security. A society based on the trust between the citizens and the government has been breached - This bond is no longer viable. The government knows that time and time again people will rise to execute terrorist attacks no matter what. Surprisingly, this might be the only minor benefit to not only the Norwegians but also sends out a message to countries all over the world.
Are we safe? This is a question that's been asked all over the world, in every country. The killings have shown how weak the World's society is now. Will this trigger even more terrorist attacks? Will this fuel the anger and hatred towards the society?
Apparently, in his manifesto his main adversary were the Muslims. Another irreversible effect would be that the killings have pulled the society apart, creating a impassable crevice: Muslims no longer have the trust of the Europeans, and the Europeans no longer have the trust of the Muslims as well. Who knows, questions might be rising in people's minds, wondering when will be the next terrorist attack and what will the Muslims do in response?
When will the bond be rebuilt?
The killings, although served as a message and exposed the weak security and defense against terrorism, have sparked off more hatred and controversy amongst the various races and religions. The killings have breached the bond of trust between members of the society, of different races and religions and nationalities, and might trigger the violent response from certain extremists and terrorists groups as well, placing citizens from all over the world in peril.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
How more likely are Hwa Chongians to touch the lives of others?
As mere humans ourselves we are bound to be intertwined with other people's lives, be it a barber, bus driver, teacher or student. In other words, we are bound to "touch the lives" of others simply by existing. However, the degree in which you affect other people's lives could be measured by certain factors. Besides blood relations, acquaintance, your occupation and position could as well.
All Hwa Chongnians are part of a family. In fact, we're all part of 2 different families: Blood relation family, and the social family. Back at home, we have our father, mother, and even siblings amongst various other relatives from all over the world. As a family member, we are related to them in the most intimate way possible. When we grow up, we will even settle down and make a family as well. Therefore, Hwa Chongnians are constantly touching the lives of our families and relatvies from birth, literally. The other family, the social family, consists of our friends and everyone that we know aside from our family members. For example, school and classmates are a huge part of our social family. Be it students from other schools, neighbourhood friends you play soccer with, or even adults and some teachers. Therefore, throughout the span of your life you are constantly touching the lives of others. This number actually increases as time goes by.
When everyone grows up, they have to find a job. Hwa Chongnians have extremely good conditions of education and even better standards, so they have no reason not to stand out in the future. As facts show, Hwa Chong Institution has produced the most President's Scholars in the history of the scholarship. In the future, whatever occupation Hwa Chongnians choose to take up will make a difference in society and affect people differently. Some choose to be a singer: Singers entertain others and provide them with a time to relax and enjoy. Some choose to compete for the country: These people certainly are invaluable and important, and touches the lives of even the audience and the citizens of the country.
As it is, Hwa Chong Institution is one of the best Secondary Schools in Singapore. Being a student by itself can already affect others: Your friends, your classmates, your schoolmates and even your teachers. You could just be a normal student from just any neighbourhood school, but the question here is how MORE likely are Hwa Chongnians to touch the lives of others? As an outstanding student from one of the best schools in Singapore, Hwa Chongnians are more likely to touch the lives of others in every other way: Be it in morals, or social acquaintances.
All Hwa Chongnians are part of a family. In fact, we're all part of 2 different families: Blood relation family, and the social family. Back at home, we have our father, mother, and even siblings amongst various other relatives from all over the world. As a family member, we are related to them in the most intimate way possible. When we grow up, we will even settle down and make a family as well. Therefore, Hwa Chongnians are constantly touching the lives of our families and relatvies from birth, literally. The other family, the social family, consists of our friends and everyone that we know aside from our family members. For example, school and classmates are a huge part of our social family. Be it students from other schools, neighbourhood friends you play soccer with, or even adults and some teachers. Therefore, throughout the span of your life you are constantly touching the lives of others. This number actually increases as time goes by.
When everyone grows up, they have to find a job. Hwa Chongnians have extremely good conditions of education and even better standards, so they have no reason not to stand out in the future. As facts show, Hwa Chong Institution has produced the most President's Scholars in the history of the scholarship. In the future, whatever occupation Hwa Chongnians choose to take up will make a difference in society and affect people differently. Some choose to be a singer: Singers entertain others and provide them with a time to relax and enjoy. Some choose to compete for the country: These people certainly are invaluable and important, and touches the lives of even the audience and the citizens of the country.
As it is, Hwa Chong Institution is one of the best Secondary Schools in Singapore. Being a student by itself can already affect others: Your friends, your classmates, your schoolmates and even your teachers. You could just be a normal student from just any neighbourhood school, but the question here is how MORE likely are Hwa Chongnians to touch the lives of others? As an outstanding student from one of the best schools in Singapore, Hwa Chongnians are more likely to touch the lives of others in every other way: Be it in morals, or social acquaintances.
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