Reaction Article #12: Lack of Sleep Linked to Heart Problems

Name: Wendy Cheng (49712053)
Date: 12/26/2008
From: Time

My Reactions:
According to Alice Park in “Lack of Sleep Linked to Heart Problems,” she highlights the strong connection between few sleep and heart problems. The research of the University of Chicago recently has showed that one hour less on average each night can increase coronary calcium by sixteen percent. In other words, the fewer hours people sleep at night, the more calcium contains in the heart arteries. Vessels will become crisp and breakable. As a result, it may trigger serious problems such as heart attack or stroke when these deposits rupture and block vessels in the heart or brain. It can even cause atherosclerosis and death.

There are more and more modern people who don’t get enough sleep because of many changes of their life style. White-collar workers are busy at their business while students are busy with their academic performances. Therefore, many new diseases of civilization have showed up since the development of technology and science. Some people used to think that going to bed behind schedule has little influence on their health; they will only get dark circles under their eyes after staying up late. However, it has great effect on our bodies and inner system. Not only will people feel tired but they will be the high risk group of heart attack, high cholesterol, and hypertension, etc.

In my opinion, the new discovery is very important to me. It warns me of stopping burning the midnight oil from now on. I am surprised as well as afraid after reading the news. I should finish my homework and study it earlier. If I can distribute my time much more properly, I will not become the high risk group of heart and liver illnesses. In conclusion, we should get enough sleep in order to be healthy and energetic. (298 words)

Reaction Article #11: Women 'may face greater HIV risk'

Name: Wendy Cheng (49712053)
Date: 12/19/2008
From: BBC NEWS

My Reactions:
According to the news “Women ‘may face greater HIV risk’,” the new researches which are done by American and UK scientists show that even people try their best to prevent themselves from getting AIDS, the fatal HIV virus is more easier to penetrate into layer of skin beyond our imagination. Especially for women, it is more dangerous for them to be infected by HIV after revealing the fact that the scary virus can breach even healthy vaginal tissue.

People are used to think that there are three common reasons for human to get AIDS. One is unprotected sex between man and woman, another is sharing as well as reusing syringes or needles, and the other is perinatal transmission from mother to child. Besides, HIV is most likely going through cuts or sores in the vaginal tract. However, the scientists in Chicago found that HIV could move quickly between the skin cells when they are about to be shed. Therefore, people have new understanding about HIV invasion of the female vaginal tract.

As far as I am concerned, scientists should find out new prevention strategies to block the entry of HIV through a woman’s genital skin by developing biological technology. The most effective way to prevent AIDS presently is still condoms. The new research reinforces the need for women to avoid unprotected sex unless their partner's health is known. I really feel sad to the death that is brought by AIDS throughout the world. We have to do our best to prevent the virus from spread wider on Earth. The governments worldwide should also learn some lessons from the research. (269 words)

Reaction Article #10: Mystery Pyramid Built by Newfound Ancient Culture?

Name: Wendy Cheng (49712053)
Date: 12/12/2008
From: National Geographic News

My Reactions:
According to Alexis Okeowo in “Mystery Pyramid Built by Newfound Ancient Culture,” the archaeologists in Mexico have found some stone sculptures recently which indicate that there was an unknown culture that likely built a mysterious pyramid. They also discovered some ancient artifacts, being totally different from what they had found before, show that Mexico had developed various cultures at the same time but diverse region. Moreover, the pyramid’s proportion shows that this “new” culture seems to exist between other two cultures in ancient Mexico- Teotihuacan and Tula (Toltec). However, many controversies have been discussed by archaeologists due to contrasting excavations. Although archaeologists don’t know much information about the new ancient culture in Mexico, it is for sure that ancient cultures in Mexico are independent from each other.

As far as I am concerned, the article is novel as well as attractive because I am really fund of archeology personally. It not only introduces new archaeological evidence but also several features of antique artifacts some famous ancient cultures in Mexico. I can learn more knowledge about the ancient world. Pictures of the ancient Mexican pyramid in the article are quite distinct from common pyramids in Egypt. I change my opinion about Mexico after reading the article. I used to think that there wasn’t any special ancient culture in Central America; nevertheless, there were indeed many creative cultures long time ago. In my opinion, we should care more about minor cultures in Central America and Africa instead of well-known cultures in Asia or Europe. (252 words)

Reaction Article #9: Getting paid for Your A's

Name: Wendy Cheng (49712053)
Date: 12/05/2008
From: Time
My reactions:
There have been many high-school graduates who loan before starting their colorful college life lately. Parents are worried about their children’s future because their children are going to be in debt without having jobs.

However, in accordance with Kate Torgovnick in “Getting Paid for Your A’s,” she describes a website called Gradefund.com, which is launched by a Columbia Business School student and entrepreneur Michael Kopko. Gradefund.com can help top-performing students to ease off their loan crunch. As long as they upload their transcripts each semester, they can earn money if they get an A. Nevertheless, the way that Gradefund provide money is different from other common institutions. It makes students find their own sponsors such as relatives or friends and ask them for money whatever they want for each A. Besides, Gradefund also mails students a check if they reach $100 in donations. Although the website has caused some controversies, it still becomes popular in America now.

In my opinion, the website may indeed solve the problem that students are accumulating debt. But it can lead to some problems. For example, it may support rich students instead of students who really need money but they are not rich enough. In addition, it encourages students cheat in exams in order to get good grades. The method using in Gradefund is interesting and innovative: even so, it has much to improve. Maybe the government should do something to help students, future leaders of our society, study happier rather than worrying about their life. In conclusion, whether Gradefund.com is a wonderful website depends on how students use it properly. (266 words)

Reaction Article #8: The seven worst winter drinks

Name: Wendy Cheng (49712053)
Date: 11/28/2008
From: Newsweek

My Reactions:
According to Tina Peng in “The seven worst winter drinks,” she emphasized the importance of hot and sweet drinks for people in winter at the start. Moreover, she even described winter beverages as irresistible lure. Many people may really want to drink a cup of steaming as well as hot chocolate to warm them especially in chilly winter night. However, most of those popular drinks for winter contain much cream and sugar which have scary calorie counts. That is to say, most winter beverages are unhealthy to us. She introduced seven worst winter drinks in order to warn people of drinking too much.

I was curious about the title as soon as I saw it. Feeling surprised after reading the article, I have to drink less winter beverages from now on. Some delicious food or drink is bad to our health because ingredients in it are always artificial such as sweetener and pigment. Nevertheless, people still choose food and drink that is tasty to eat regardless of their health. Moreover, the article also provided the information of these worst seven winter drinks, which told us how bad the drinks were. The calories of the drinks are so much that will cause obesity or diabetes.

In my opinion, we should pay attention to the calories and ingredients of all food and drink. We can count calories before eating food. Hot water is better than all drinks for winter. We should drink water instead of beverages. After all, we should take care of our health. In conclusion, we should eat properly for the sake of making our body healthier. (267 words)

Reaction Article #7: China and Peru agree trade deal

Name: Wendy Cheng (49712053)
Date: 11/21/2008
From: BBC NEWS

My Reactions:
According to the news, “China and Peru agree trade deal,” Chinese president, Hu Jintao, paid a visit to Peru and the two countries decided a free-trade agreement concluding import and export goods such as raw materials. Moreover, China got lower tariffs on its export to the region. China is eager to strengthen its national status and influence on the world. Therefore, China tries to stay as well as expand good relationship with other countries. The deal can have mutual benefits to both countries. China and Peru are also two of the world’s fastest growing economies. Although some people oppose the deal because of disturbance in local industry, the governments of China and Peru believe that it can bring bright future to their countries.

As far as I am concerned, the situation between China and Peru is similar to China and Taiwan. There will always be two different opinions when two countries sign or agree trade deal. On one hand, people worry about many cheap imports which come from other countries will put local products out of the market. On the other hand, the trade can improve economy and industry of both countries. As a result, global economy will flourish again due to the effect on developing countries like China or Peru. I indeed support trade among countries; however, the government of countries has to make proper measures in order to protect local industry and people’s job.

Taiwan should take immediate steps to enhance economy. We should also think deeply about why China has made progress in such short time. Besides, maybe we can learn something from China and we can surpass it in the future. (275 words)

Reaction Article #6:China and Taiwan Expand Accords

Name: Wendy Cheng (49712053)
Date: 11/07/2008
From: The New York Times

My Reactions:
According to Edward Wong in “China and Taiwan Expand Accords,” China and Taiwan officials signed agreements which were about expanding charter flights, maritime shipping, direct mail service and cooperation on food safety issues. It will lead to a great impact on economy as well as relationship between Taiwan and China. Although there were some people such as DPP supporters strongly opposing the agreement, most people considered it as a turning point of economic recession in Taiwan lately. Chinese Communist Party official even sent Chen Yunlin, who is the head of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, to visit Taiwan. It was a tremendous improvement in link between Taiwan and China since 1949.

In my opinion, it is a good phenomenon that is mutually beneficial to nationals of both countries. For example, traveling industry will increase income due to expanding charter flights. Moreover, different information and cultures can flow across each other. As a result, people will learn varied knowledge and enhance cultural quality through the expansion. The most important is that some Taiwan agricultural products which China doesn’t plant can export into China. Therefore, the situation that countryside fades can advance again; young farmers will go back to village.

Despite Taiwan has totally diverse opinion of politics, we can still think about pros and cons of the agreements. As long as people forgive more, the relationship between Taiwan and China will get better and better. (237 words)

Reaction Article #5: Economy sounds warning for festivals

Name: Wendy Cheng (49712053)
Date: 10/31/2008
From: BBC NEWS

My Reactions:
According to Simon Atkinson in “Economy sounds warning for festivals,” the industry experts have found that festivals which held in each countries start to decrease mainly because of the global economy decline. For example, unemployment and lack of investors are prone to cancels of many smaller as well as medium scale events. Moreover, the budgets for festivals are forced to cut back as costs are going up, including fuel prices, power and haulage; nevertheless, ticket prices can’t be put up. It is a hard time for entertainment industry now. The phenomenon is considered to have both advantages and disadvantages. Some experts think optimistically that the downturn will restore balance while the others warn it will make festivals face an uncertain future. The most important way to prevent the recession from getting more serious is that each festival has to respond all customers’ needs.

As far as I am concerned, the article analyzes this problem narrowly. The situation has happened in Taiwan recently. People begin to get tired of so many festivals that are almost alike. In short, the worse economy situation countries get, the worse income will entertainment industry has. Most people will save their money for necessary things such as food instead of entertainment if the economy declines seriously. In my opinion, every festival should have their own features in order to attract consumers. After holding the events, promoters have to make improvements on defects. By doing these things, I believe that festivals will prosper again and people will receive more quality life during economic downturn.

Taiwan government should take measures to help the industry as well. It can give more subsidies to make festivals get better. In conclusion, festivals should be changed so as to fit their customers. (290 words)

Reaction Article #4: Afghan Student Sentenced to 20 Years

Name: Wendy Cheng (49712053)
Date: 10/24/2008
From: Time

My reactions:
In accordance with Amir Shah in “Afghan Student Sentenced to 20 Years,” a journalism student Parwez Kambakhsh was accused of irreverence for asking questions in class about women’s rights under Islam. At first, he was sentenced to death. Nevertheless, Afghan court overturned the death sentence and judges still sentenced him to twenty years in prison. He was penalized since he also wrote an article on the Internet as well as on his paper which express his own comments about why Islam doesn’t provide equal rights for women. The incident gives rise to big reactions, conservative groups and open groups in the world have fierce debate. It is thought that the event reveals that a great frustration and a setback of the rights of free expression in Afghan.

As far as I am concerned, the government of Afghan is so ridiculous that sentenced people as violating the tenets of Islam. People all around the world should have their own freedom, including free speech and free thoughts. I think that the student was innocent; moreover, he expressed his perceptions bravely. As a female, I feel sorry but proud of him for the reason that he has fought for women’s rights. Afghan puts strict regulations on women, such as every woman is banned to be seen on the face otherwise they will be punished in public. Although some limits are the tenets of Islam, they are unreasonable to me because of differences between democratic and autocratic countries. Taiwan is much freer than Afghan, I should cherish these individual freedom and use them properly. Moreover, Taiwanese government should learn some lesson from the happening. (270 words)

Reaction Article#3: NASA Ready to Reboot Hubble

Name: Wendy Cheng (49712053)
Date: 10/17/2008
From: The New York Times

My Reactions:
According to Dennis Overbye in “NASA ready to reboot Hubble,” the Hubble Space Telescope, which is regarded as the most important space instrument, shut down suddenly two weeks ago. NASA has to send astronauts to reboot it due to its indispensible status. However, the method which fixes Hubble is dangerous for astronauts because a backup channel of the telescope and other components haven’t been turned on since Hubble was launched in 1990. Although the mission isn’t safe at all, the shuttle was blast off so as to do the last on-orbit maintenance of Hubble. If the mission success, we will see many impressive as well as beautiful picture from the outer space again.

I felt nervous when I heard the news in the beginning. After reading the entire article, I felt relieved for the reason that NASA find out the solution of Hubble’s problem. The telescope is so famous that I have learned it from the science textbook since elementary school. Hubble Space Telescope helps us to know more about the outer space by its clear pictures. In addition, Hubble has discovered many new theories which have great influence on astronomy. It is indeed a masterpiece of all time!

As far as I am concerned, the countries in the world should come up with some measures to replace Hubble in case of its breakdown or retirement. For example, scientists and engineers can invent a new space telescope which is better than Hubble by developed technology. Furthermore, we can think of some ways to prolong Hubble’s life. In short, I hope that Hubble can still work for people who live in the Earth and give us more information about the outer space. (281 words)

Reaction Article #2: Disease warning on climate change

Name: Wendy Cheng
Date: 10/10/2008
From: BBC NEWS

My Reactions:
According to Richard Black in “Disease warning on climate change,” the increase of diseases is caused by climate changes around the world. The warmer climate we will get, the wider region disease will spread. Furthermore, the media which carry different kinds of disease, such as mosquitoes, ticks or flies, will survive in the temperate zone when weather turns warmer. As the result, there is much more new virus and bacteria appear. Some diseases that scatter over local places have started to move from wild animals to human beings. The global climate shift can lead to serious problems.

In my opinion, global warming is no longer novel news. Almost every scientist has warned that it can due to many bad consequences. For example, food and water crises, species extinction, new diseases emergence, etc. However, people seem to ignore these problems except a few groups which pay much attention to them. We, residents of the Earth, should remember that we are responsible for protecting the lovely planet. On the other hand, we will pay for what we have done. I am so surprised that global warming has much to do with the spread of diseases after reading this article. To think deeply, these two things are relevant. Take SARS for example, it broke out and spread too fast to prevent. There were many people died and some of the victims still have had sequelae since the explosion. It was said that SARS had appeared suddenly because of global warming.

We should keep a watch on the spread of diseases; even a small change can have great influence on ecosystems. The government of each country has to build a perfect system monitoring both wild lives and people. Therefore, we can deal with the outbreak anytime instead of chaos. I believe that we can stop diseases from spreading further successfully as long as we have patience and strong will. (315 words)

Reaction Article #1: More Candy From China, Tainted, Is in U.S.

Name: Wendy Cheng (49712053)
Date: 10/06/2008
From: The New York Times

My Reactions:
The news “More Candy From China, Tainted, Is in U.S.,” talks about that there are more and more contaminated Chinese candy was found in America.In addition, China authorities wanted to cover up the scandal despite of many parents’ protest and public anger from all over the world. The melamine contamination in candies is an industrial addictive which can make infants sick and even let them died. However, manufactories still use it illegally because it can pretend their products having more protein levels. In this way, they can make much money. Although many victims have tried to sue the companies, they were in vain owing to political power.

In my opinion, the manufactories, which used tainted milk powder, should stand in consumers’ shoes. They should follow their business morals in spite of their own desire. I think that the explosion of this astonishing news has advantages and disadvantages. Benefits of news are that it can remind people of their crisis consciousness. More people will pay attention to the information of products before they buy them. The government will also build some laws to manage the quality of our dairy products. However, this news may have great influence on Taiwan’s dairy business. Most people are afraid of “tainted milk” so far, they refuse to purchase anything related to milk. The event will decrease the Taiwan’s economy of agriculture. We, the citizens of Taiwan, have to come up with some measures to solve the problem.

Chinese government’s attitude and behavior toward the incident makes me frustrated. It becomes the stereotype that Chinese products are bad. I think that they should change their manner toward the world and the public. Taiwan government should also learn something from this event. (288 words)