Showing posts with label COLUMN. Show all posts
Showing posts with label COLUMN. Show all posts

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Singapore’s very own Central Park

Today, Friday 29 June 2012, Page 2, Hot News
From http://www.todayonline.com/PDFViewer/PDF/20120629/2906HNC004.pdf
Source Website: http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC120629-0000076/Singapores-very-own-Central-Park
By Ashley Chia, ashley@mediacorp.com.sg, 04:46 AM Jun 29, 2012



PHOTO: PM Lee talking to Gardens by the Bay CEO Dr Kiat W Tan in front of the 30m waterfall.
Photo Don Wong, Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
Today, Friday 29 June 2012, Page 2, Hot News


PM Lee opens Gardens by the Bay, says it could soon become a city icon

SINGAPORE - Setting aside prime land in Singapore's new downtown to build Gardens by the Bay was no easy decision, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday.

The land, he said, could have been used for "far more valuable commercial or residential developments right in the middle of the new city".


PM Lee with Gardens by the Bay CEO Dr Kiat W Tan in the Cloud Forest
PHOTO: PM Lee with Gardens by the Bay CEO Dr Kiat W Tan in the Cloud Forest
Photo Don Wong, Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitttI_oY-QVuI_Y3-FY8K8sucyo5PtLhGAGYlbAT0xEQ2O8ONZ0nKo8HRPdyoZ_cJuM2E9_jtsPZog6kKU8hzuQ8AbC0_pywfadP8crJqUaLNfZ39gJdt76B40j1m-dW5FxrHKNihtNrWq/s1600/Gardens+by+the+Bay+3.jpg
Today, Friday 29 June 2012, Page 2, Hot News


"But our planners in the URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority) believed that a large and beautiful park was an important element of our new downtown in Marina Bay South, just like Central Park in New York or Hyde Park in London."

So after five years of planning and construction, the S$1 billion superpark, which spans 101 hectares of land and boasts three waterfront gardens, is now the latest realisation of Singapore's "City in a Garden" vision.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of one of the gardens - the Bay South - yesterday evening, Mr Lee said that Mr Mah Bow Tan, then Minister for National Development, strongly supported the project as he saw the value in having the Gardens right in the city. It would not just enhance the price of the land in redeveloped Marina Bay but it could become an icon and the "jewel in the skyline of Singapore city".



PHOTO: PM Lee at the Cloud Forest
Photo Don Wong, Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
Today, Friday 29 June 2012, Page 2, Hot News


Mr Lee also cited the Gardens as one example of how Singapore's living environment is being transformed.

Singapore may be one of the densest cities in the world but the Government is determined that the people are able to live "comfortably, pleasantly, graciously", he said, noting that besides having good homes or efficient public transport, people should also be in touch with nature.

The 54-hectare Bay South Garden, which opens to the public today (29.06.2012), features two cooled conservatories, the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome. The Cloud Forest replicates the climate of the Tropical Montane region, while the Flower Dome mirrors the climate of the Mediterranean and semi-arid sub tropical regions.



PHOTO: PM Lee and Gardens by the Bay CEO Dr Kiat W Tan on the 128m-long aerial walkway between two 42m-tall Supertrees
Photo Don Wong, Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
Today, Friday 29 June 2012, Page 2, Hot News


Other highlights include 18 Supertrees with a 128m-long aerial walkway between two 42m-tall Supertrees, the DragonFly Lake and horticultural themed gardens. A host of dining and retail offerings are also available.

"Beyond the 'wow' factor, the Gardens is a place which families, friends and communities can take time out, relax and create new and lasting memories," said Dr Kiat W Tan, Chief Executive Officer of the Gardens.



PHOTO: PM Lee with families, friends and communities, at the Flower Dome
Photo Don Wong, Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
Today, Friday 29 June 2012, Page 2, Hot News


A slew of programmes to celebrate the opening, such as a three-day green fair, a photography contest and workshop, outdoor movie screenings and storytelling for children, will be held from today to July 8.

Live performances by popular American singer-songwriter Jason Mraz and local songstress Corrinne May are also in the line-up.

"Our mission is to create a distinctive people's Garden that would be cherished and well patronised," said Dr Tan.


Reference
Today, Friday 29 June 2012, Page 2, Hot News
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Friday, June 29, 2012

Stop abusing Anna

Today, Tuesday, June 26, 2012, Page 24, Impact
From http://www.todayonline.com/PDFViewer/PDF/20120626/2606IMC024.pdf
Source Website: http://www.todayonline.com/Business/Impact/EDC120626-0000002/Stop-abusing-Anna
By Nicolette Ong, Updated 09:08 AM Jun 26, 2012


UN Women Singapore has partnered Hom Yoga on a community project called 'Help Anna' Yoga Series.LinkPHOTO: UN Women Singapore has partnered Hom Yoga on a community project called 'Help Anna' Yoga Series.
PHOTO HOM YOG A Malvina Risby.
Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPn6vVcXwGYYy4H2ddAksl9qGwU-7R4fjb18cFOZyXOf3MdPrhkPN48IKbZpytpB1HQsQdzRpjUnd2dLhWNlCSj36bNXTopr9JWrEMOTpQEnZ7NBiUYYEzD5jRQWG6k1HJ5r6MrnM2BFw/s1600/Stop+abusing+Anna.jpg
Today, Tuesday, June 26, 2012, Page 24, Impact


UN Women Singapore partners Hom Yoga as part of campaign to end violence against women

SINGAPORE - Anna is a mother, a sex worker, a trafficking victim and a domestic worker.

Although she is constantly abused by the people around her, Anna suffers in silence as she is too embarrassed and scared to seek help, and is unaware of her legal rights.

Anna is not an actual person, but the all-encompassing face of the Help Anna online campaign (helpanna.com) started by UN Women Singapore six years ago.

The campaign aims to stop violence against women, and Anna represents women who are victims of different forms of gender-based violence - domestic violence, domestic worker abuse and trafficking of women and girls.




PHOTO: Yoga is an ideal way to support the 'Help Anna' campaign, says Hom Yoga founder Malvina Risby. Help Anna campaign, educates the community through helpanna.com, creates awareness about violence faced by women here and urges them to think, talk and act on this issue.
PHOTO HOM YOG A Malvina Risby.
Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/cmsfileserver/showimageCC.aspx?338&450&f=1754&img=1754_577453.jpg
http://www.todayonline.com/Business/Impact/EDC120626-0000002/Stop-abusing-Anna


INSPIRING CHANGE

As part of this year's Help Anna campaign, UN Women Singapore has partnered Hom Yoga on a community project called the "Help Anna" Yoga Series - End Violence Against Women. The initiative offers a unique platform to reach out to new audiences as well as inspire change from the ground.

It educates the community through helpanna.com, creates awareness about violence faced by women here and urges them to think, talk and act on this issue.

Ms Trina Liang-Lin, President of the Singapore Committee for UN Women, said: "We hope the awareness translates to the community members being proactive in learning and sharing their knowledge about these issues and ways to stop them."


In our yoga practice, we learn about concepts of equality, freedom, acceptance, truth and peace.
http://idoimg.3mt.com.cn/Article/upload/200808/080816232511403.jpg
http://ido.3mt.com.cn/Article/200808/picview1059304c26p3.html


Violence against women is not confined to a specific culture, region or country.

Instead, its roots lie in historically unequal power relations between men and women.

The community project, together with helpanna.com, offer a deeper insight into the political, historical and cultural roots of violence against women.


The campaign aims to stop violence against women, and Anna represents women who are victims of different forms of gender-based violence - domestic violence, domestic worker abuse and trafficking of women and girls.
PHOTO: The campaign aims to stop violence against women, and Anna represents women who are victims of different forms of gender-based violence - domestic violence, domestic worker abuse and trafficking of women and girls.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGtIlmlK4ukQdU2JEwiQv8WnsCEke_iJAvLrVODuGVSCvBPpaJXNEkE-ylr1S8sMC5f8D95WVdZzRxom4Lhp5hBe3AMXJ6sgKdBnNOU8kUdAsW2qgG67ymtUmIJWdUL7JYWNybpDm2xrS/s1600/575213_000658741548_2.jpg
http://pic4.nipic.com/20091116/575213_000658741548_2.jpg
http://www.nipic.com/show/1/25/f5f2758c76586d12.html


The website highlights four "Annas" from different countries, with different lifestyles and situations. It emphasises the fact that violence can happen to anyone no matter where you are from.

Hom Yoga founder Malvina Risby feels yoga is an ideal way to support the campaign.



PHOTO: 它是一种达到身体、心灵与精神和谐统一的运动。
It is to achieve harmony and unity of body, mind and spirit sport.
http://www.hlp.cn/Files/%E7%91%9C%E4%BC%BD2.jpg
http://www.029fengshi.com/News.asp?Id=941


"In our yoga practice, we learn about concepts of equality, freedom, acceptance, truth and peace.

"These concepts complement the campaign message of Help Anna," she said.




PHOTO: Yoga concepts complement the message of 'Help Anna' campaign.
PHOTO COURTESY HOM YOGA
PHOTO HOM YOG A Malvina Risby.
Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/cmsfileserver/showimageCC.aspx?338&450&f=1754&img=1754_577454.jpg
http://www.todayonline.com/Business/Impact/EDC120626-0000002/Stop-abusing-Anna


SUPPORT THE CAUSE

The "Help Anna" Yoga Series - End Violence Against Women consists of four yoga events, the last of which will take place at Fort Canning Park on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on Nov 25.

Each event features a specific yoga practice.


At its most basic form, Yogic exercise is very effective at stretching out the body and working core muscles, increasing flexibility and strengthening the body generally and can help enhance sports performance and endurance.
PHOTO: At its most basic form, Yogic exercise is very effective at stretching out the body and working core muscles, increasing flexibility and strengthening the body generally and can help enhance sports performance and endurance (eg golf, tennis football). Equally as we get older, doing regular yoga based exercise helps maintain and improve flexibility and strength. Also, building awareness and control of the breath helps one deal with everyday stress and anxiety at home, in the workplace and when doing sports. The breathwork also enhances concentration and mindfulness with obvious benefits.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6FJMkXjhiRPXTams7fDdTK90HjI6XKCNqWx6ySWblsUC48zq5zJHOUMLP6ch8LNEoI_o8n7MIcj37_0HLfDc2n1JEnu0ir14PHAekcBPtFlTwPn97VdSw_FvMcH5FouvoG_ixoOhd0BD/s1600/IMG_9966-993x1024.jpg
http://www.freedomyoga.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/IMG_9966-993x1024.jpg
http://www.freedomyoga.co.uk/links-and-resources-2


The first event, held last month at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, was the 108 Sun Salutations Practice and Picnic.

"Funds raised from these yoga events will go towards raising public awareness and educational activity, especially for youths, as part of our campaign to end violence against women," said Ms Liang-Lin.


The first event, held last month at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, was the 108 Sun Salutations Practice and Picnic.
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/301820_10151639237635444_809690443_24092097_462894652_n.jpg
http://www.facebook.com/people/Anna-Factor/809690443


PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT

Even if you don't really practise yoga, you can still support the cause and help to spread the word by visiting helpanna.com.

Anna's "condition" improves or worsens depending on the number of visitors to the site.

"Visitors can learn how each scenario unravels and how it affects the physical and mental well-being of the victims," said Ms Liang-Lin.

"The website also provides information on avenues to seek help and to assist victims in need."


Even if you don't really practise yoga, you can still support the cause and help to spread the word by visiting helpanna.com.
http://www.coztarica.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/2.jpg
http://www.coztarica.com/2010/07/19/have-the-ultimate-costa-rica-yoga-experience/



PHOTO: Anyone on the paths of svadyaya (self-study) and atma-vicara (self-inquiry) will find experience, strength and hope.
Jennifer Kurland, TV Producer, & Certified Yoga Instructor
http://static.wix.com/media/c256c493c78f4db518ab779a1b146f1e.wix_mp
http://www.wix.com/omlealou/site-archive



PHOTO: KI JAI YOGA with Alia Christy
http://static.wix.com/media/505290a2be92a07741e0521e81255227.wix_mp
http://www.wix.com/omlealou/site-archive



PHOTO: KI JAI YOGA with Alia Christy
http://static.wix.com/media/0f1da1a38fca6db3af309418b4adbb37.wix_mp
http://www.wix.com/omlealou/site-archive



PHOTO: KI JAI YOGA with Alia Christy
http://static.wix.com/media/ff746809311f1d89f6e644d5f410e57c.wix_mp
http://www.wix.com/omlealou/site-archive



城阳专业瑜伽会所——听海瑜伽（城阳店）
PHOTO: 城阳专业瑜伽会所——听海瑜伽（城阳店）
http://img.liecheng.com/2010/08/22/10/201008221036413906.JPG
http://qingdao.liecheng.com/zn/20111027-34080.html


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Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Sexting on the rise among Singapore teens？

Today on Sunday, Sunday, May 06, 2012, Page 2, SundaySpecial, Columns
From http://www.todayonline.com/PDFViewer/PDF/20120506/0605FFW002.pdf
Source Website: http://www.todayonline.com/Sunday/SundaySpecial/EDC120506-0000006/Sexting-on-the-rise-among-Singapore-teens?
By Teo Xuanwei, todayonsunday@mediacorp.com.sg, 04:45 AM May 06, 2012



PHOTO: “Some think ‘this will not happen to me’, or ‘I can always go back to my normal life after a few years if the pictures are leaked’. But teenagers need to realise it’s not as private as they think ... Once leaked, it isn’t something that can just be erased ... (Exposure) could lead to bigger issues, like depression, breakdown in family relationships or an inability to trust.”
Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/cmsfileserver/showimageCC.aspx?350&450&f=2110&img=2110_566924.jpg
http://www.todayonline.com/Sunday/SundaySpecial/EDC120506-0000006/Sexting-on-the-rise-among-Singapore-teens?


Those who send nude pictures of themselves often don't think it's wrong or potentially harmful

Every other week, Annie (not her real name) would send her boyfriend, who is serving National Service, a couple of pictures of herself in the nude.

"When he asked for it initially, I thought, 'It could be fun, and it will keep him missing me', so I started doing it. It definitely builds up the excitement until he meets me on weekends," the 18-year-old undergraduate said. "I don't think it's a big deal because it's quite common. I've heard of several people doing it."

Indeed, of the 10 male and female teenagers aged between 14 and 19 Today spoke to, all said they think "sexting" is now commonplace among their peers - pointing to the rising prevalence of such a phenomenon here, apparently.

Said Colleen Ng, 16: "Some of my friends already post very 'daring' photos on their Facebook page or blog. I'm quite sure that they are sexting with their boyfriends, too."

Andrew Lim, 16, added: "Some of my friends have shown me such pictures on their phones but I'm not sure if the girls are their friends or girlfriends or not."



PHOTO: "Some of my friends already post very 'daring' photos on their Facebook page or blog. I'm quite sure that they are sexting with their boyfriends, too."
http://nebulos.net/wp-content/videoimages/img_24877_california-on-sexting.jpg
http://nebulos.net/2011/02/13/media/favourites/california-on-sexting-24877


IS IT REALLY WIDESPREAD?

Some experts, however, believe sexting is not as widespread here as some may perceive. There has been no in-depth research of this issue locally. The anecdotal (based on casual observations) evidence is sometimes conflicting.

UniSIM Business School's head of communication programme Brian Lee, who has conducted various studies in youths' media behaviour over the past decade, said a survey he conducted among 420 polytechnic students a few months ago showed that less than 1 per cent of the respondents sent or received sexts.

But focus groups that he had conducted revealed that "almost all" the participants had heard that their friends had received or sent such messages, Dr Lee added.

Ms Iris Lin, a senior social worker with Fei Yue Family Service Centre, said they have not come across any youths who have sought help because of issues relating to sexting.

But she disagrees that the practice is not prevalent (commonly occurring) - the truth of the matter "depends on whether and how much the youths want to reveal" when asked, she said.



PHOTO: If you take a nude photo of yourself, and send it to another person, then that photo text becomes propery of the receiver. What they do with it is their choice, UNLESS, they try to make profit off your photo.
http://fitsnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Sexting.jpg
http://www.fitsnews.com/2012/03/01/teen-sexting-ban-because-sc-has-no-real-problems-right/


OUT FOR INSTANT GRATIFICATION (sensual, satisfaction)

Whether or not sexting is catching on among teenagers here, the experts concur that the age of this vulnerable group alone is cause for greater scrutiny and safeguards.

"Some youths may think the physical aspects of a relationship are everything or worry that, if they turn down the request, they may be seen as not exciting, spontaneous or bold enough," said Ms Lin. "The possible consequences (of sexting) are in their heads, but it's not enough to stop them because they care only for instant gratification most of the time."

Mr Daniel Koh, a psychologist at Insights Mind Centre, added: "Some of them think: 'This will not happen to me', or 'I can always go back to my normal life after a few years if the pictures are leaked'. But teenagers need to realise that it's not as private or confidential as they think it is, even if they are sending to someone they feel they can trust. Once leaked, it isn't something that can just be erased."

He noted that accidental exposure of these intimate photos or videos could also go beyond the embarrassment and shame. "It could lead to bigger issues, like depression, breakdown in family relationships or an inability to trust," he said.



PHOTO: Teenagers need to realise that it's not as private or confidential as they think it is, even if they are sending to someone they feel they can trust. Once leaked, it isn't something that can just be erased." Asp is an old term used to describe a venomous snake.
http://blog.echopulse.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/cd20110603.jpg
http://blog.echopulse.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/


NEED FOR STRONGER LAWS

Zoe (not her real name), the only other teenager among those interviewed by Today who revealed she engages in sexting, said she recently realised the gravity of the situation should things go awry, after reading about a court case in March.

A young couple was charged in court for extorting money from a man after they scammed him into undressing in front of a webcam.

Said the 17-year-old: "I never felt anything in the past when I watched the leaked videos of celebrities or sex pictures of some local polytechnic girls. It was only after the case that I seriously thought of the possible scenarios - if my nude photos are leaked because my boyfriend loses his handphone, or if our relationship suddenly goes wrong."

Stronger laws - it is already an offence to possess, circulate or distribute obscene materials in Singapore - could be part of the solution, opines Dr Lee. Although it might be a stop-gap solution, it will "send a strong signal to youths", he said.

Besides educating young children on cyber wellness, Ms Lin said parents need to impart values to their kids.

She said: "It's about going beyond the knowledge that some things are wrong, but why it is wrong."
By Teo Xuanwei, todayonsunday@mediacorp.com.sg, 04:45 AM May 06, 2012


PHOTO: The most serious sexting case to date concerns Jessica Logan, 18, from Ohio. Using her mobile, she sent her then boyfriend a nude photograph of herself – but after they broke up he sent it to their friends. Logan was labelled a ‘slut’, ‘skank’ and a ‘whore’. She started skipping school to avoid her tormentors. Eventually, she hanged herself, leaving her phone in the centre of the room where she committed suicide.
Today on Sunday, Sunday, May 06, 2012, Page 3, SundaySpecial, Columns



I never felt anything in the past when I watched the leaked videos of celebrities or sex pictures of some local polytechnic girls. It was only after the case (a man scammed into undressing in front of a webcam) that I seriously thought of the possible scenarios - if my nude photos are leaked because my boyfriend loses his handphone, or if our relationship suddenly goes wrong.
PHOTO: Sexting: "I never felt anything in the past when I watched the leaked videos of celebrities or sex pictures of some local polytechnic girls. It was only after the case (a man scammed into undressing in front of a webcam) that I seriously thought of the possible scenarios - if my nude photos are leaked because my boyfriend loses his handphone, or if our relationship suddenly goes wrong."
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnQNokzlhdii88cO9H4ERedTlw9F351DEy_FKa-mD6aF6oEc51OgCdM615Usk551LTSYJWCyzqRP1oB_FYXA7DpQ63tI4oVZt3inE9armkyL1JxoQS1jT1wGgyfqgw1WsjoHIGJD-hh2j/s1600/sexting_by_chatgr-d4vseu3.jpg
http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/101/b/f/sexting_by_chatgr-d4vseu3.jpg
http://chatgr.deviantart.com/art/Sexting-295258395


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