Article Title: Google Calls for Action on Web Limits
Author: JAVIER C. HERNANDEZ
Published: March 24, 2010
URL:http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/25/technology/25google.html?ref=global-home
After reading the article, I have to say Chinese government has my full support. Before that I also agree that the censorship in China is excessive. My friends and I always make jokes on the “missing work” during our charting on social networking website in China. However I think it is very important for a country to make sure all the companies acting business abide by all the laws and regulations in that country. That is the authority of a government. What is more, I always regard culture as a powerful weapon because it can influence people’s minds. So it is nothing wrong for a government to control the mass media. Mr. Dorgan, chairman of a panel which is made up of members of the Senate and House and Obama administration officials, said: “Information is not to be feared, and ideas are not enemies to be crushed. The truth is China too often wants a one-way relationship with the world.” So what I want to ask him for explanation is: why western media always make up fake negative news about China? Why are you all afraid of telling the truth?
By Harry
Current Affairs Group.C
Harry’s porters
3.24.2010
3.20.2010
my comment
I do not consider the advertisement posted by DECC as something exaggerated or improper. Suppose that the condition has been exaggerated or stated improperly. Even this, people are still looking down upon the importance of reducing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted and caring no consequences caused by the greenhouse effect. Then I do not dare to imagine the picture if the ads are expressed in a more gentle way. I do agree that some people may be bothered by the serious ads. But this kind of people must be the very minority and this tiny side effect turns out to be nothing compared with the terrible consequence caused by people's ignorance of greenhouse effect. People should do something to relieve the serious condition rather than conceal the bad condition and escape from reality.
2.23.2010
Help us to vote!
http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/larry.king.live/
Quick Vote (on cnn)
Should Tibet be an independent country?
Yes 8% 6434
No 92% 70889
Total Votes: 77323
This is not a scientific poll
Quick Vote (on cnn)
Should Tibet be an independent country?
Yes 8% 6434
No 92% 70889
Total Votes: 77323
This is not a scientific poll
2.17.2010
2.13.2010
response to Singapore local issue (By Silver)
title: Singapore for Winter Olympics
date: 2010/2/14
URL: http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking+News/Singapore/Story/STIStory_490156.html
It is in the latest news of local Singapore issue that this country is working to cultivate and send its first athletes to the 2014 Wniter Olympic Games, in Sochi, Russia. This is addressed by Mr Teo Ser Luck on Friday.
In my virepoint, I think that it is totally unnecessary. It is all known that Singapore is a small island located on the equator. It is summer all year around. here you can find nothing related to "cold" or "winter". People here are adapted to this kind of life. They are born to wear the charming short pants and the unique flip-flop to get to everywhere. The summer life keeps accompany with them since they were born in Singapore. It is so astonishing and and impenetrable that why Singapore is planning to produce a winter games athlete.
Maybe they want to show that the athletes in Singapore can make a miracle in such way of showing themselves in Winter games. Or they want to show that they can do well in all kinds of fields in sports? But I consider it something meaningless. They should devote themselves to Summer Games which they know better rather than the Winter Games which they are not familiar with at all. Usually, if you want to be good at everything, then the consequence will be that you are good at nothing. It is more important to concentrate rather than to expand. There are so many countries which can produce countless brilliant athletes in Winter Games. So it is actually not that influential to add a Singapore athlete in the Winter Games.
Also, cultivating a athlete is not something so simple. It will last for many years and it costs a great amount of energy and human source. Of course, it needs a lot of money for cultivating every single athlete. And most of the time, you invest the money without getting any reward. Here comes the question: why not using the money more wisely? Why not do something rewarding?
Those above is the my viewpoints concerning this curent issue of Singapore.
date: 2010/2/14
URL: http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking+News/Singapore/Story/STIStory_490156.html
It is in the latest news of local Singapore issue that this country is working to cultivate and send its first athletes to the 2014 Wniter Olympic Games, in Sochi, Russia. This is addressed by Mr Teo Ser Luck on Friday.
In my virepoint, I think that it is totally unnecessary. It is all known that Singapore is a small island located on the equator. It is summer all year around. here you can find nothing related to "cold" or "winter". People here are adapted to this kind of life. They are born to wear the charming short pants and the unique flip-flop to get to everywhere. The summer life keeps accompany with them since they were born in Singapore. It is so astonishing and and impenetrable that why Singapore is planning to produce a winter games athlete.
Maybe they want to show that the athletes in Singapore can make a miracle in such way of showing themselves in Winter games. Or they want to show that they can do well in all kinds of fields in sports? But I consider it something meaningless. They should devote themselves to Summer Games which they know better rather than the Winter Games which they are not familiar with at all. Usually, if you want to be good at everything, then the consequence will be that you are good at nothing. It is more important to concentrate rather than to expand. There are so many countries which can produce countless brilliant athletes in Winter Games. So it is actually not that influential to add a Singapore athlete in the Winter Games.
Also, cultivating a athlete is not something so simple. It will last for many years and it costs a great amount of energy and human source. Of course, it needs a lot of money for cultivating every single athlete. And most of the time, you invest the money without getting any reward. Here comes the question: why not using the money more wisely? Why not do something rewarding?
Those above is the my viewpoints concerning this curent issue of Singapore.
2.12.2010
Casino to Open on CNY by Alex
Title: Casino to Open on CNY
Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_489672.html
Author: Alex
The resort world Sentosa is designated to open on Feb, 14th, both the Valentine’s Day and the first day of Chinese New Year. However, the only complete attraction is the casino, while the universal studio and other attractions are much under construction without a firm opening date.
The opening of casinos is an essential step in Singapore’s long term strategy in achieving its ambition of becoming the commercial and business center of Asia. Though the government clearly understands how much damage it may bring to the local people once they get addicted, it still decided to make the sacrifice for a 1.5 billion GDP boost every year, which mainly comes from foreign tourists.
Since casinos do bring a lot of other things to the city, such as crimes, drugs, or porn, the government is also putting very strict regulations on local people, such as imposing a $100 entrance fee for locals. However, I doubt it is going to work. For those who really want to try their luck in the casinos, they’d be more than willing to pay the $100 in exchange for a one-day frenzy. Besides, the guards cannot constantly check the gambler’s ID to see if they are locals or not. The rules are probably going to end up like a 2012 doomsday joke – everybody knows it, nobody cares. They are not really going to prevent locals from enjoying the fun of becoming a millionaire or going bankruptcy in one night.
As a student, well, I’m not 21 yet, which yields me enough time to practice the basic etiquettes and strategies that may be used in casinos. For people who are dreaming of beating the dealer, I just want to inform you that, when a lamb goes into the slaughter house, it’s not going to walk out alive…
2.11.2010
Week 6 Reflection on Singapore tourism by Elaine
The fact is gradually gaining people’s attention that the tourism industry of Singapore shrank in the last year. Statistics show that the number of tourists in 2009 dropped down by 4.3% along with the revenue of tourism which decreased by 19%. Under the recession, the plunge in this entertaining industry is acceptable but it also concerned the related authority. However, the upswing in the end of year gave them much confidence in the future development of this industry.
In my opinion, the shrink in tourism of Singapore is mainly because of the economy recession. People are trying hard to save money in this special period and trim a lot of their entertaining budget which include the travelling expense. However, there are still examples that had prosperous tourism last year such as Taiwan. There is no doubt that the improvement of cross-straits ties between mainland China and Taiwan prompted the industry. But their efforts in advertising also played a very crucial role. I really appreciate the idea of ‘Unique Singapore’ which is used as the slogan for travelling in Singapore. But compared to Taiwan, it lacks the detailed content in the advertisement about the word ‘unique’. The videos, billboards and the banners don’t present clearly the unique attractions in Singapore. Therefore, the slogan looks a bit vacuous and lacks influences among its target audience. On the contrary, the characteristic views and products, such as springs, 101 building, beef noodles and Shilin night market, abound in the advertisement of Taiwan Travelling. The pattern they present these attractions are also corresponding with their slogan—‘Welcome 2 Taiwan’ which is aimed to show two opposite styles- urban and country in Taiwan. Customers can directly recognize the special features in Taiwan and are very curious about the travelling experience there. I think if Singapore manage to do the same work for their advertising, they will also achieve success.
For this year, I think the dark clouds over tourism in Singapore will be swept away because several important events are taking place there. In addition to some regular event like F1 race, the debut of Integrated Resort and YOG will attract lots of tourists to this charming island.
In my opinion, the shrink in tourism of Singapore is mainly because of the economy recession. People are trying hard to save money in this special period and trim a lot of their entertaining budget which include the travelling expense. However, there are still examples that had prosperous tourism last year such as Taiwan. There is no doubt that the improvement of cross-straits ties between mainland China and Taiwan prompted the industry. But their efforts in advertising also played a very crucial role. I really appreciate the idea of ‘Unique Singapore’ which is used as the slogan for travelling in Singapore. But compared to Taiwan, it lacks the detailed content in the advertisement about the word ‘unique’. The videos, billboards and the banners don’t present clearly the unique attractions in Singapore. Therefore, the slogan looks a bit vacuous and lacks influences among its target audience. On the contrary, the characteristic views and products, such as springs, 101 building, beef noodles and Shilin night market, abound in the advertisement of Taiwan Travelling. The pattern they present these attractions are also corresponding with their slogan—‘Welcome 2 Taiwan’ which is aimed to show two opposite styles- urban and country in Taiwan. Customers can directly recognize the special features in Taiwan and are very curious about the travelling experience there. I think if Singapore manage to do the same work for their advertising, they will also achieve success.
For this year, I think the dark clouds over tourism in Singapore will be swept away because several important events are taking place there. In addition to some regular event like F1 race, the debut of Integrated Resort and YOG will attract lots of tourists to this charming island.
2.09.2010
Week 6 Reflection on local issue by harry
Week 6 Reflection on local issue by harry (Zhang Zheqi)
The hottest issue in Singapore recently must be the integrated resort. People are curious about the novelty of casino; expect the Resort World Sentosa will bring Singapore more wealth while concern about the negative effects coming with it. I also think the integrated resort can be a double blade sword to Singapore. On the one hand the casino many stimulate the economic growth. On the other hand, if the government cannot deal with latent danger properly, then the whole society will be at risk.
There are four potential risks according to my point of view: gamble addiction, underworld organization, drugs and usury. These four aspects are not isolated. They have close connection in between, such as gamble addiction will lead to usury, usury will generate underworld organization, and mafia will further bring more serious drug abuse and crimes. So it is critical for government to protect these kinds of vice.
Apart from buildup police force with special knowledge, I believe citizens also need some basic education about gamble. As individual I think gamble is powder train of all kinds of evil. So I hope everyone can keep distance from casino and live a harmonious and happy life.
The hottest issue in Singapore recently must be the integrated resort. People are curious about the novelty of casino; expect the Resort World Sentosa will bring Singapore more wealth while concern about the negative effects coming with it. I also think the integrated resort can be a double blade sword to Singapore. On the one hand the casino many stimulate the economic growth. On the other hand, if the government cannot deal with latent danger properly, then the whole society will be at risk.
There are four potential risks according to my point of view: gamble addiction, underworld organization, drugs and usury. These four aspects are not isolated. They have close connection in between, such as gamble addiction will lead to usury, usury will generate underworld organization, and mafia will further bring more serious drug abuse and crimes. So it is critical for government to protect these kinds of vice.
Apart from buildup police force with special knowledge, I believe citizens also need some basic education about gamble. As individual I think gamble is powder train of all kinds of evil. So I hope everyone can keep distance from casino and live a harmonious and happy life.
2.04.2010
Debate Topic
Debate Topic
Should university build enough resident halls, so that every student is able to live in the campus.
If other team members has other idea, please also post out.
Should university build enough resident halls, so that every student is able to live in the campus.
If other team members has other idea, please also post out.
2.03.2010
Week 5: Comment (by harry)
Comment 1 -- Comment on Alex
Title: Ex-scholarship holder in opposition? No big deal
URL:http://harrysporters.blogspot.com/2010/01/ex-scholarship-holder-in-opposition-no.html
What can I say is ‘public controversy and independent information providing a corrective context’ (Smith 1976). So the opposite voices from dissidents are conducive to the prosperousness of Singapore. As Voltaire said：‘I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it.’As long as they are not subversive parties, their opinions should be respected. Sometimes the arguments improve and perfect the original plan. I believe that no matter the governing party or the parties out of the office have the same vision which is make the nation more harmonious and prosperous. The only difference is process. So I strongly agree with Alex that: we ought to assess the scholars’ contributions to the nation, not the government.
Another point of view which I can hardly agree is “but in terms of openness and democracy, U.S. is a leading paragon in the world.” In my mind, the United States is negative sample of democracy. I believe everyone one in the world, as long as he or she is merciful and wise, will not say the country who lunch wars in other countries, who has guards abused prisons in Guantanamo, who sold weapons to the encourage conflicts in other countries, who has serious discrimination is a “leading paragon of openness and democratic in the world”. I will not deny American is still the most developed and powerful country in the world but it is not equal to democracy. (By Harry)
Comment 2 – comment on Helen
Title: forum--Helen
URL: http://groupc-royalflush.blogspot.com/2010/01/forum-helen.html
I do not think the expenses of police units in the casinos will not paid by taxpayers of Singapore. Singapore government decides to build the high-class casino in order to stimulate consumption. The casino will attract thousands of rich people to Singapore. It will bring billions of income. Only a minute part of it will be enough to pay the police spending.
I think what we need to concern more about is the social problem. Such as addiction of gamble, gang problem and so on. The different admission of foreigners and natives is much more like propagation. I think what our mathematics lecturer makes fun of is a feasible and effective. The government should popularize the basic knowledge of possibility which will reveal essence of gamble. More moral education is essential for all the Singaporeans before the casinos bring harm to the society. (By Harry)
Title: Ex-scholarship holder in opposition? No big deal
URL:http://harrysporters.blogspot.com/2010/01/ex-scholarship-holder-in-opposition-no.html
What can I say is ‘public controversy and independent information providing a corrective context’ (Smith 1976). So the opposite voices from dissidents are conducive to the prosperousness of Singapore. As Voltaire said：‘I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it.’As long as they are not subversive parties, their opinions should be respected. Sometimes the arguments improve and perfect the original plan. I believe that no matter the governing party or the parties out of the office have the same vision which is make the nation more harmonious and prosperous. The only difference is process. So I strongly agree with Alex that: we ought to assess the scholars’ contributions to the nation, not the government.
Another point of view which I can hardly agree is “but in terms of openness and democracy, U.S. is a leading paragon in the world.” In my mind, the United States is negative sample of democracy. I believe everyone one in the world, as long as he or she is merciful and wise, will not say the country who lunch wars in other countries, who has guards abused prisons in Guantanamo, who sold weapons to the encourage conflicts in other countries, who has serious discrimination is a “leading paragon of openness and democratic in the world”. I will not deny American is still the most developed and powerful country in the world but it is not equal to democracy. (By Harry)
Comment 2 – comment on Helen
Title: forum--Helen
URL: http://groupc-royalflush.blogspot.com/2010/01/forum-helen.html
I do not think the expenses of police units in the casinos will not paid by taxpayers of Singapore. Singapore government decides to build the high-class casino in order to stimulate consumption. The casino will attract thousands of rich people to Singapore. It will bring billions of income. Only a minute part of it will be enough to pay the police spending.
I think what we need to concern more about is the social problem. Such as addiction of gamble, gang problem and so on. The different admission of foreigners and natives is much more like propagation. I think what our mathematics lecturer makes fun of is a feasible and effective. The government should popularize the basic knowledge of possibility which will reveal essence of gamble. More moral education is essential for all the Singaporeans before the casinos bring harm to the society. (By Harry)
1.30.2010
Response to 'Why DFS needs Mandarin speakers' by Elaine
For week 3's comments, I comment on Harry's and Rachel's reflection.
The article is retrieved fromhttp://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/STIStory_483570.html
The news that Changi airport only recruit shop associates who speak fluent Chinese has stirred up a huge controversy. Some people show their strong resistance to this requirement on job. However, I agree with the author's opinion that the language proficiency of the associates should depend on the type of the shop.
The criterion is just a common requirement for employees which only aim to appeal to the customers. It makes no difference to those want advertisements which say that professional knowledge is needed. We must be aware of the special features of the work to be a shop assistant in the airport. Singapore is a busy traffic hub in the world where large traffic is experiences everyday and Changi Airport is the prop of it. As a shop assistant in an international airport, proficiency in at least two languages is a neccesary skill to survive. If the shop wants to excel in the intense competition, it must provide more satisfying service. In the condition that more than 50% of the customers are Chinese, the shop certainly will choose the staff that are conversant with Chinese. We can only consider it as a market strategy rather than any discrimination.
Someone argues that if Chinese people want to business in such an internationalized world, they should learn English. However, I think they misunderstand the situation. The point they put forward is absolutely right but it is not suitale in this case. What the shop associates face are the customers instead of the bussiness partners. Customers have their choices to deside which shop they will go in and don't care about will this shop brings more benefits or profits. The shop rely on the customers but the customers don't rely on them, which is different from the interdependent relation in business cooperation. Therefore, the shop must try their best to get accustomed to the client's requirements rather than to expect the customers to speak the language they use for better communication.
In my point of view, the story is all about how a shop adjust their selling strategy and has nothing to do with discrimination.
The article is retrieved fromhttp://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/STIStory_483570.html
The news that Changi airport only recruit shop associates who speak fluent Chinese has stirred up a huge controversy. Some people show their strong resistance to this requirement on job. However, I agree with the author's opinion that the language proficiency of the associates should depend on the type of the shop.
The criterion is just a common requirement for employees which only aim to appeal to the customers. It makes no difference to those want advertisements which say that professional knowledge is needed. We must be aware of the special features of the work to be a shop assistant in the airport. Singapore is a busy traffic hub in the world where large traffic is experiences everyday and Changi Airport is the prop of it. As a shop assistant in an international airport, proficiency in at least two languages is a neccesary skill to survive. If the shop wants to excel in the intense competition, it must provide more satisfying service. In the condition that more than 50% of the customers are Chinese, the shop certainly will choose the staff that are conversant with Chinese. We can only consider it as a market strategy rather than any discrimination.
Someone argues that if Chinese people want to business in such an internationalized world, they should learn English. However, I think they misunderstand the situation. The point they put forward is absolutely right but it is not suitale in this case. What the shop associates face are the customers instead of the bussiness partners. Customers have their choices to deside which shop they will go in and don't care about will this shop brings more benefits or profits. The shop rely on the customers but the customers don't rely on them, which is different from the interdependent relation in business cooperation. Therefore, the shop must try their best to get accustomed to the client's requirements rather than to expect the customers to speak the language they use for better communication.
In my point of view, the story is all about how a shop adjust their selling strategy and has nothing to do with discrimination.
1.29.2010
Ex-scholarship holder in opposition? No big deal
Title: Ex-scholarship holder in opposition? No big deal
Posted by Alex
From: Straits Times Forum
http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/STIStory_484046.html
I strongly agree with the author that it is no big deal an ex-government scholarship holder joining an opposition party.
Though the government has long been dominated by PAP, the Singapore government still claims itself as democratic and free. Therefore, what’s wrong with joining an opposition party? Opposition parties simply have different political visions and approaches in building a prosperous Singapore. The principles of the opposition parties are universally alike, to serve the people and the nation. Due to their rightful intention, opposition parties can be justified as long as they do not turn into subversive parties.
While many academically well qualified people are joining oppositions parties, though not as many as those who joins PAP, I see no reason to blame or question those who received government scholarships for joining opposition parties. The scholarships are provided for students who will one day make huge contributions to Singapore in return for the scholarships. Joining opposition parties does not mean undermining Singapore. In fact, the Singaporeans actually enjoy hearing different opinions. As the proverb goes, don’t judge a book by its cover, differentiating people based on political views is indeed superficial. I, as a scholarship holder, appreciate Singapore government for giving me this prestigious award. However, the scholarships are actually from the taxes from ordinary Singaporeans. Thus, to determine whether the scholars deserve the scholarships or not, we ought to assess their contributions to the nation, not the government.
In the United States, there are 2 major parties. While the US government spends millions of dollars on public education, it never forces any obligations to its citizens to join any parties. In fact, the government even provides free education to foreign citizens who live in the US without discrimination. In terms of monetary funds, Singapore may not rival the U.S., but in terms of openness and democracy, U.S. is a leading paragon in the world.
week 4: respond to forum article (By Silver)
title: cash premiums indicate real value of life
from: ST forum
URL: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/STIStory_483573.html
I strongly agree to this forum article. Most of the time, we tend to believe what we see at first, without any hesitation and suspicion. However, actually, most of these informations are too personal, biased or superficial, which is not really worthy of being trusted. To know better, you have to explore and probe in to the things in person, not just stay on the surface. You need the fact. To believe too easily will makes you lose a lot, especially on the kind of things that will influence on you for a very long time or to a large degree. For most people, buying a flat can definitely not be counted as trifle. For some families, this will add burden to them for life-long time. If you simply believe in the valuation made by the agencies and make the purchase because of the good price which seems so exciting, you are to face the disaster. The purchase and ownership of the house is something quite complex and trouble some. There are a large a mount of incidental expense that you will have to pay in the future. But unfortunately, people usually don't see it when they are buying the flat. Don't smile too early. The prices in the market can change at time and at any speed for it is affected by so many complex factors. Other peoples' experiences of buying a flat can not happen exactly on you again. So think more and look further.
from: ST forum
URL: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/STIStory_483573.html
I strongly agree to this forum article. Most of the time, we tend to believe what we see at first, without any hesitation and suspicion. However, actually, most of these informations are too personal, biased or superficial, which is not really worthy of being trusted. To know better, you have to explore and probe in to the things in person, not just stay on the surface. You need the fact. To believe too easily will makes you lose a lot, especially on the kind of things that will influence on you for a very long time or to a large degree. For most people, buying a flat can definitely not be counted as trifle. For some families, this will add burden to them for life-long time. If you simply believe in the valuation made by the agencies and make the purchase because of the good price which seems so exciting, you are to face the disaster. The purchase and ownership of the house is something quite complex and trouble some. There are a large a mount of incidental expense that you will have to pay in the future. But unfortunately, people usually don't see it when they are buying the flat. Don't smile too early. The prices in the market can change at time and at any speed for it is affected by so many complex factors. Other peoples' experiences of buying a flat can not happen exactly on you again. So think more and look further.
1.25.2010
Week 4: Response to forum (by Harry)
The four countries combined, has more than a quarter of the world’s population.
Week 4: Comment on forum (by Harry)
Title: Can the economic aggregate of BRICs surpass that of G-7 in 20 years?
From: Global Times
URL:http://forum.globaltimes.cn/forum/showthread.php?t=12451
I refer to "Can the economic aggregate of BRICs surpass that of G-7 in 20 years?
" on Globle Times.
BRIC is an acronym of the four fast-growing developing countries: China, India, Brazil and Russia. They are also called the Golden bricks as the fast develop of the GDP（Gross National Product）. The acronym is first coined and academically used by Goldman Sachs in 2001. During these years most of the developed countries undergo a series of economics crisis; meanwhile the developing countries especially the BRICs perform will and keep developing fast. Goldman thought that the general economies quality of the BRIC countries will exceed the current richest country and became the centre of the world economics.
As my personal view, the four countries, especially China is developing in all social levels. Also China is becoming more and more open and liberal. What is more China has taken more international responsibility and play a more important role in the global affairs. With the economic resurgence, Russia shows the great power of a giant again. India and Brazil grow rapidly.
However just like China, there are many conflicts come up with the fast development, Such as population, pollution and the division between rich and poor. These kinds of problem is different from poverty, cannot solve within years. The properties of a great power need decades to cumulate.
Just as America in early 1900s, it became the biggest industry country. The iron output is several times than German, which is the second largest country. But only after the Second World War, America starts to act like a leader in the international affairs. So what BRICs should do it focus on how to keep the tendency of developing. Soon or late the world will treat you as the centre of the economics and politics automatically.
So there is no need to argue whether or not China, Russia, India or Brazil will be the second powerful country worldwide. The most important thing to care about is people’s life qualities. A strong nation must be a harmonious country, a peaceful country with beautiful lands and consist of fortunate families.
1.24.2010
Week3 : Comment (By harry)
Comment1:
I agree with most of your opinions. The authority should both lead and govern the processes of climate protection. In order to achieve the TLC (transparency, longevity and certainty), they government should come up with more policies to help to fulfill the cap-and-trade bills and encourage the investment. Only the law can ensure the longevity and certainty. All these will spur the investment. In addition, we cannot ignore the power of the public. Different from the millions of dollars from the investment or donation, if every single person can contribute a little then the amount can certainly make a difference. For instance, majority of the carbon emission come from the power industry hence if everyone can turn off the power supply where leaving the room. We can safe a large amount of power which equals to reduce considerable quantity of carbon emission.
Yes, we can. With the pledge from the authority, the investment from the big company and the co-operation of everyone, we can achieve the sustainable development.
comment on: Week 2 Reflection on Copenhagen Summit and future climate protection
(by Elaine)
Comment 2:
I agree that if we finally lose Google, we lose a very useful tool in our daily life. However, according to my point of view, we should support our government because I think what the government had done is reasonable and advisable. Firstly, you are right that most of the netizens in China are young so the government should protect them from bad influence. Secondly, the government closed most of the download website aims at protect the copyright of the authors. People will have to pay for musics, movies and books all over the world. In the past, we can download them for free is because the legal system are not complete in China. It is indeed a great progress. We cannot deny it according to our own interest. All in all, I agree that Google brings a lot of convenience to our daily life but a company should always act business abide by the law in the country.
comment on: Ma Tianyang(Hill) http://girlsandhill.blogspot.com/
All above is just my personal view.
I agree with most of your opinions. The authority should both lead and govern the processes of climate protection. In order to achieve the TLC (transparency, longevity and certainty), they government should come up with more policies to help to fulfill the cap-and-trade bills and encourage the investment. Only the law can ensure the longevity and certainty. All these will spur the investment. In addition, we cannot ignore the power of the public. Different from the millions of dollars from the investment or donation, if every single person can contribute a little then the amount can certainly make a difference. For instance, majority of the carbon emission come from the power industry hence if everyone can turn off the power supply where leaving the room. We can safe a large amount of power which equals to reduce considerable quantity of carbon emission.
Yes, we can. With the pledge from the authority, the investment from the big company and the co-operation of everyone, we can achieve the sustainable development.
comment on: Week 2 Reflection on Copenhagen Summit and future climate protection
(by Elaine)
Comment 2:
I agree that if we finally lose Google, we lose a very useful tool in our daily life. However, according to my point of view, we should support our government because I think what the government had done is reasonable and advisable. Firstly, you are right that most of the netizens in China are young so the government should protect them from bad influence. Secondly, the government closed most of the download website aims at protect the copyright of the authors. People will have to pay for musics, movies and books all over the world. In the past, we can download them for free is because the legal system are not complete in China. It is indeed a great progress. We cannot deny it according to our own interest. All in all, I agree that Google brings a lot of convenience to our daily life but a company should always act business abide by the law in the country.
comment on: Ma Tianyang(Hill) http://girlsandhill.blogspot.com/
All above is just my personal view.
1.16.2010
Week 2 Reflection on Copenhagen Summit and future climate protection (by Elaine)
Retrieved 15 Jan 2010 from http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1954019,00.html
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The Copenhagen summit held in Dec 2009 was aimed to come out another international accord after the Kyoto Protocol to cut down the carbon emissions. However, the conference is widely recognized as a failure because it failed to set any specific carbon cap. Though, the steps to protect the global climate never stop. The Investor Summit on Climate Risk was held to help through investment. Billions of dollars have been spend on the renewable and low-carbon technologies and a larger amount is decided to give for these green technologies. But, what they needed is the allowance of the cap-and-trade bill from the government.
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In my opinion, the success of climate protection doesn’t only depend on the government efforts through conferences like Copenhagen summit. It may comprise two parts, the action of government and the private supports. There is no doubt that government is the main and most powerful force to fight for the environment as it represents the authority of law. The limit on carbon emissions and the price policy of carbon both can effectively help to control the global warming. But the implementation of these policies to put on limits may cause conflicts between development and environment. Therefore, we need private supports to help. The high attention to environment problems and the large amount of investment in the green technologies will provide more solutions on these problems.
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When the working progress of the government is impeded, the private sector should take active roles. The Investor Summit is a typical example. Since no real promises for cutting down the carbon emissions was made in the Copenhagen summit, the Investor summit come out the cap-and-trade bill which is a more flexible policy to reduce the pollution. The requirement of TLC(Transparency, Longevity, Certainty) for the government is also put forward. The public has the power to facilitate the process of environment protection.
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This is the time of economy and no one will entirely sacrifice the interests for the environment. In the competition between economic profits and nature environment, both the government and the public must put effort to maintain the balance and ensure the economic development won’t strain the nature.
1.15.2010
Reflection on Google's Retreat from China (by Alex)
Alex posting, Jan. 16, 2010
One of the biggest news concerning China this week was the retreat of Google from China, claiming that it frequently met problems with the Chinese government scaled censorship that undermined the freedom of speech and human rights. Human rights -- a phrase commonly employed by CNN and a bunch of other western media to frame China’s current situation – now is an excuse from Google for its business failure in China.
Though human rights might play a part in Google’s logic of abandoning China, the major reason is always profit. Nike and Adidas never complained about human rights in China though the laborers in their factories are too cheap to hire.
Long since the internet emerged in China, foreign web companies have tried to dig some treasures in this vast yet ancient land. However, what most had jumped into is not a temple of long lost treasures but a tomb of humiliation. EBay lost to its Chinese rival Taobao; Yahoo China sold all its business in China to a Chinese internet giant Alibaba; Facebook doesn’t even stand a chance in its competition with Renren, a Chinese social network; Google, with no exception, is a distant second to Baidu, the most popular search engine with a 63% market share in the most populous country.
It seems that the internet market of China is like the Amazon jungles to foreigners who dares step into it. Up until now, no foreign company is a leader in any field in the Chinese internet market. The reasons are quite obvious to me. When I log onto Facebook, I am bored with the dull and uniformed themes, whereas when I log onto Renren, I’d be immediately attracted by the colorful and lively decorations. Google sure offers relatively more information than Baidu, but Baidu’s extra features such as music search, ask&answer are exclusive and pragmatic. As a scholar studying overseas, I understand how cultural clashes can be a real hindrance to communications, subsequently, business. Foreign businesses still has a long way to go in learning to cater to the Chinese customs.
As the most dominant search engine in the world, Google’s failure in China is surely intolerable to its board of directors. Someone has to take up the responsibilities. Undoubtedly, the Chinese government, already notorious for its censorship control and human rights violations, again is being put into spotlight. Google might consider its action a galvanizer to the millions of Chinese who are still unaware of the strict online censorship set forth by the Chinese government, but, who cares. They still have Baidu; they still have Bing. Months later, people will adapt to the new internet without Google.
Source of article http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/15/world/asia/15google.html?ref=asia
Week 2 Google Goodbye and Good luck (by Harry)
Summary: The news is about that China ignore an ultimatum from Google to relax internet censorship. There is a high possibility for google to close its Google.cn service.
It is really breaking news that the world’s most famous search engine may close its Chinese Google.cn service, although the conflicts between Google and Chinese Government on pornography, human rights and dominion (e.g. Tibet) have exist for long. As many Google fans, I also enjoy the conveniences it brings every day. Millions of “netizens” (users of internet) favor Google and China always play an important role in Google’s global strategy. I do believe that if both sides are willing to negotiate sincerely. The entire problem will be definitely solved. Otherwise as Lu Benfu(an internet economist) said: “It will be a lose-lose situation for the whole industry.”
If the worst situation comes in the end, I believe Google will suffer more than they can imagine. Meanwhile the homegrown search baidu will automatically control the big share of the market left by Google. As the largest developing country, China attracts billions of company to develop business in China. How can Google against the trend?
After all, the requirements of the Chinese media authorities sound reasonable. I understand there are some more “freedom” in western countries however it is absolute wrong to view other countries from other culture in the same way. Google need to respect Chinese culture as well as Chinese people rather than take the human rights as an excuse.
I cannot agree with Teng Biao(a law professor and human rights lawyer) that “Google leaving China makes people sad, but accepting censorship to stay in China and abandoning its ‘Don’t Be Evil’ principle is more than just sad.” It is sure an abracadabra that if conduct business according to the law is “more than just sad” , then maybe that is the reason the economic crisis happened in western countries while China remain developing fast. So it seems there is not only conflict between companies and Government, maybe we should say: Good luck and goodbye Google, we have baidu.
This is my personal point of view.
Harry
(From Times Online January 14, 2010
China set to ignore Google demands for end to censorship Jane Macartney in Beijing
http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/the_web/article6987377.ece)
It is really breaking news that the world’s most famous search engine may close its Chinese Google.cn service, although the conflicts between Google and Chinese Government on pornography, human rights and dominion (e.g. Tibet) have exist for long. As many Google fans, I also enjoy the conveniences it brings every day. Millions of “netizens” (users of internet) favor Google and China always play an important role in Google’s global strategy. I do believe that if both sides are willing to negotiate sincerely. The entire problem will be definitely solved. Otherwise as Lu Benfu(an internet economist) said: “It will be a lose-lose situation for the whole industry.”
If the worst situation comes in the end, I believe Google will suffer more than they can imagine. Meanwhile the homegrown search baidu will automatically control the big share of the market left by Google. As the largest developing country, China attracts billions of company to develop business in China. How can Google against the trend?
After all, the requirements of the Chinese media authorities sound reasonable. I understand there are some more “freedom” in western countries however it is absolute wrong to view other countries from other culture in the same way. Google need to respect Chinese culture as well as Chinese people rather than take the human rights as an excuse.
I cannot agree with Teng Biao(a law professor and human rights lawyer) that “Google leaving China makes people sad, but accepting censorship to stay in China and abandoning its ‘Don’t Be Evil’ principle is more than just sad.” It is sure an abracadabra that if conduct business according to the law is “more than just sad” , then maybe that is the reason the economic crisis happened in western countries while China remain developing fast. So it seems there is not only conflict between companies and Government, maybe we should say: Good luck and goodbye Google, we have baidu.
This is my personal point of view.
Harry
(From Times Online January 14, 2010
China set to ignore Google demands for end to censorship Jane Macartney in Beijing
http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/the_web/article6987377.ece)
2st week reflection (by Silver)
article title: An Architect's world, above Paris and Bourgeois Cares
source of article: New York Times ( http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/14/greathomesanddestinations/14location.html?ref=garden )
name of article writer: ROBERT P. WALZER
date of article: 13-1-2010
reflection of the article:
this article is about a couple who are both 60 renovated their newly -bought beloved house and do the design og their furnitures with their unique artistic preferences and graceful tastes. As an architect whose hobbies are to paint and to design furniture, Mr. Gourvénec and his wife absolutely took every effort on the renovation and design of the house. In his house, you can see many kinds of artistic style and lot of unique collection which reflect their own tastes and opinions of house and life.
“I enjoy taking everyday objects of banality and turning them into something different”, as the architect said. Their standard of decration and designing house is to display their art and research, which is definitely above the classic Paris bourgeois concearns.
I think their ways of decrating the house is really nice. Unlike many other people, their don't rush to buy a huge house with the most advanced technology applied to show their status. This is a quotation from the article: “They were attracted by the 14-foot-high ceilings and the large bay windows overlooking the neighboring mansard rooftops, with views of the Eiffel Tower, and Les Invalides and La Basilique du Sacré-Coeur in the distance. ” “The living room has a southern exposure, so in the morning, the soft light emerges and it stays until sunset,” “You feel like you’re living in the sky and floating above Paris.” As you read, they concern more about the location, the environment and the atmosphere of the housevwhen choosing to buy it. I think this is rather charming than those huge and luxury house located in suburban areas. Also, I think the decration of the house is splendid. They don't simply define the house as a place to live. They make it a window to show the art of life. This is to be deeply appreciated and treasured.
source of article: New York Times ( http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/14/greathomesanddestinations/14location.html?ref=garden )
name of article writer: ROBERT P. WALZER
date of article: 13-1-2010
reflection of the article:
this article is about a couple who are both 60 renovated their newly -bought beloved house and do the design og their furnitures with their unique artistic preferences and graceful tastes. As an architect whose hobbies are to paint and to design furniture, Mr. Gourvénec and his wife absolutely took every effort on the renovation and design of the house. In his house, you can see many kinds of artistic style and lot of unique collection which reflect their own tastes and opinions of house and life.
“I enjoy taking everyday objects of banality and turning them into something different”, as the architect said. Their standard of decration and designing house is to display their art and research, which is definitely above the classic Paris bourgeois concearns.
I think their ways of decrating the house is really nice. Unlike many other people, their don't rush to buy a huge house with the most advanced technology applied to show their status. This is a quotation from the article: “They were attracted by the 14-foot-high ceilings and the large bay windows overlooking the neighboring mansard rooftops, with views of the Eiffel Tower, and Les Invalides and La Basilique du Sacré-Coeur in the distance. ” “The living room has a southern exposure, so in the morning, the soft light emerges and it stays until sunset,” “You feel like you’re living in the sky and floating above Paris.” As you read, they concern more about the location, the environment and the atmosphere of the housevwhen choosing to buy it. I think this is rather charming than those huge and luxury house located in suburban areas. Also, I think the decration of the house is splendid. They don't simply define the house as a place to live. They make it a window to show the art of life. This is to be deeply appreciated and treasured.
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