Olivia-5-niqab

  which one is more important??

The Supreme Court of Canada’s split decision in whether a woman can wear a religious veil, knows as a niqab, in the courtroom as a witness has created a lot of questions.

The Supreme Court ordered her to remove  her niqab that she was wearing as a witness; they said that facial expression is a part of the cross-examination but she refused. It has been an issue because many people think it interfere with her religious freedom. Finally, the Supreme Court ruled that a witness can cover their face in certain circumstances.

 These days, as we witness development of human’ right, there are many challenges between individuals’ freedom and society; above case and breast feeding in public places have become become representative models. It is very hard question which one is more important just like a hen-versus-egg argument.

 

However I think that social’s rule is more important than individuals’ right. When we try to keep our freedom, if we interrupt other people’s right it is unfair.

For example, you can image that some mothers  try to breast fed their babies in a bus; it makes people uncomfortable and confuse even if the mother doesn’t intend to make them like that.  Of course, we have a right to enjoy our freedom but we should enjoy our freedom without interfering with other’s right.

                                                                                 

breastfeeding

In many countries breastfeeding in public is forbidden by laws. The reason  is to save people’s right who are irritated by nudity. Another reason is that it might put some thoughts into minds of some kids  who are out of  guidance of parents.

Laws have to protect everyone’s right, from an adult mother to a one month baby. In this situation mothers who need to breastfeed their babies and babies who need milk have to be considered in the law. 

Except for some urgent moments, I don’t support the idea that mothers can breastfeed their kids everywhere and anytime. While saying that, I’m considering their own comfort and hygiene. While climbing up stairs at  Skytrain station, to see a mother who is breastfeeding her baby makes me feel that it is not right. All the dust that people make can easily get in the baby’s body while breathing. Also the feeding time must be the relaxing time for the babies. All the noise that people make I guess is not a lullaby for them.

On the other hand, I don’t understand people who support this law. In my opinion, when a baby cries the reason can be either hunger or feeling discomfort. First thing a mother does is feeding the baby. If a baby is still in breastfeeding period, mother breastfeeds her baby without thinking where she is. It’s her instinct. Nobody can blame her for doing this or nobody has a right to show her the appropriate way.

I strongly support the idea that every public place such as shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas, etc must have a mother room where mothers also make their babies feel comfortable.

I also think that when mothers go out with their babies if they take enough milk in a feeding bottle or if they can fix their schedule according to the baby’s feeding time, there will not be a problem for any member of our society.

Elaine-10- court

Lawless world

If you live in a country, you have to follow the law of that country, right?

But what if your religion challenges the local laws?

Do you have the right to follow what your religion says or do you have to waive it?

In my opinion, the local law must prevail. For example, if a muslin woman with her face totally covered goes to Brazil, she wouldn't be able to enter a bank. It is because if she assaults the bank, it wouldn't be possible to identify the person. Moreover, I think that if you decide to live in a specific country, you are willing to agree with its law. Otherwise, you should find another place that suits your religion.

It might seem harsh. But, nowadays, there are so many different religions and new ones are being created, that the court should not consider the issue, otherwise, within a short time, we will become a lawless world!

Elaine-11-veiled women

Allowance veil in Court

There is a case in the Supreme Court of Canada about a muslin woman who wants to wear her religious veil while testifying in court. The court says that they don't consider the extreme resolutions - must always show the face or be able to wear it anytime -  they try to find a reasonable path between the extremes.

In my opinion, the Court is being very reasonable in the way they are treating the case. In the report I watched, they are trying to weigh all the factors and see whether or not the veil will interfere in the judgment. And it is also important to mention that the Court is making sure not to discourage veiled women to report offenses. So, I think the Court is taking a good position and they will find a balanced resolution.

Victor-2-Shootings in Schools what can be done?

Stop Gun Ownership

 The slaughter of the innocents in the Sandy Hook Elementary School is one of the many such cases that the U.S. has particularly had in the last decades.

There are gun laws in the U.S. that allows every person to have guns because they have the right to "self defense" and protect their homes from any offender, and they can have as many guns as they want and almost any kind of "small" or "medium" guns. But they don't think if it's right to give the power of a gun to someone who has psychological or mental problems! Most of the cases of mass murders are related to these kind of people. But, how to control them, how to prevent more cases like this one?

I think they as a society, but also all of us, have a responsibility to make a decision on whether we love our kids more than we love our guns. Why do the government has just demonized these cases and have done nothing to find the offender and at best they have found just a scapegoat. Little has been done to prevent ocurrence of these cases in the future by introducing new legislation about firearms for instance? The gun-making is a huge industry and there is a lot of corruption and interests about keeping up this industry because it makes billions of dollars a year.

To find a solution, we just need to take a look at the situation in England. Since the last time they got that problem and approved a gun law that basically made registration mandatory for owning shotguns and banned powerful weapons for common people, the murder rate has fallen and all the indicators are moving in the right direction. So U.S. need to look into their gun laws and assess ways to better protect the public. It's a stupidity to make almost any army equipment such as powerful rifles with telescopic sight, body armors or semi-automatic rifles, available to anybody, they are ready not only for their self-defense, they are ready for war!

a letter to myself-4-wendy

Dear. Wendy.

How is it going ? I think you feel so nice today, because you've seen the snow for 2 days !!!
Snow is a very special gift for you, isn't it? Snowing is not common in Busan city that is such a warm city in Korea.
Did you take lots of pictures ? And did you make a snowman? hahahahaha.

You know, Christmas is coming ! Do you have some special plans ? Enjoy your time during you stay in Vancouver.

You've already been here for 3months and 2weeks ! It's very surprising, isn't it ?
How was your days ? Do you have some happy memories ?



The purpose of you're coming here was to study English. Do you feel that you're getting better at English ?
Don't worry about STUDY. I think you're always worried about that, you don't need to ONLY study everyday.
Enjoy  your time with friends and learn about the Canadian culture ! You can get useful experiences to meet new people and to go to new places. After that, you're going to say to me " Thank you so MUCH ! "
I heard that you'll go back to Korea in Oct. What will you do in Korea? I know, you'll rush to get a job.

Let me see, now that is more reason why you should enjoy the days left  in here.
I'll give some work to you.

First, make some international friends, at least 3 people who can speak English well and help you,
but keep in mind, not to  go to pubs and clubs often. You can make awesome freinds if you can find a volunteer job somewhere.

Second, Enjoy your coffee time at new company. I mean, you'll get a co-op visa, so you're going to work soon, maybe in June, right? Now, You want to get a job in a coffee shop. Also, you've already worked as a barista in Korea. It would be good base for you.
If you work at a coffee shop, you'll also get better at English.

Third, Be familiar with new cuisine.
There are many immigrants in Vancouver. So, there are various restuarants. Don't eat only Korean food all the time. Trying other foods ! Also, You're good at cooking. When you go to restaurants, take  some pictures of the meals  before starting to work. So, try to make them ! Also, it's useful when you'll be wife.

Finally, become friend with rain ! ! !
Rain is not common in Korea. but, in here, many people call vancouver  'Raincouver' because its rains from October to March. It's going to be rainy until  March, and find indoor activities to fit you.


P.S) Nowdays, it's so cold ! Take care and I wish you good luck. Bye :)

From. Someone who wants to fulfill 3things in letter and eagerly looks forward to coming of the break days !

Elaine-12-a letter to myself

Elaine,

I feel like I had the obligation to write this letter to you, after all we lived together for 23 years and I couldn't leave without saying good bye. It is hard to admit that I won't miss you, but it is easy to understand why. You made me depressed and lazy, and now I don't have anything because of you. Every time I was curious about something, wanted to try a new thing or had a new idea, you came to demotivate me. Every time I was doing things good, you did something to make me quit. I really thought you were a good companion. But if you look clearly, we never had a serious talk; you never told me about your feelings; and now, I feel like you are a stranger to me; it is like I don't know you, because everything we had was superficial. 

When I look back, I see how good you could have been, but you just missed every opportunity you had. You always thought you were funny, but your jokes were nothing more than sick jokes that upset people. You used to think that you knew everything, but look at you now: a 8-year-old kid is smarter than you! Moreover, don't you ask yourself why you never had friends? You were always alone and the only thing you have in life - your family - you never knew how to appreciate them. Wake up, girl! Look what your are doing with your life! But I guess you are too lazy to try to change things, huh!

Well, I realized that you were not good in my life, so I'm moving on. I'm a new person now! I feel more confident, and I also have some goals in life. Do you know what goals are? (See, you taught me very well to be ironic!) I feel very happy not having you in my life anymore. But I'm not saying this to upset you. The point of this letter is to motivate you to be a better person, because even though you were not a good influence on me, I still care about you. I wish the best for you, and I hope you can move on as I did! Sorry for saying that I don't want to see you again in my life... but as you know me, I'm very blunt! 

Good bye,

New you

Olivia-letter to myself

Dear. Olivia

Hi~ Olivia, are you okay ?? I know you've had a hard time in abroad, I am sure you are  homesick and missing your family and friends and you are busy doing homework.

However, I think when you are ready to go  back to Korea,  you don't want to go back  home.


Anyway, I want you to spend your  little time left effectively in Canada; of course I know that you study harder than before.

Perhaps you admit, you have not studied hard  for four months. You need to remind your promise to yourself

when you came here!!! In addition you should remember why you came to Canada and it was a difficult

decision.   After one month you are going back to Korea, so you should correct your study plan and follow it.

I hope you not only study hard but also enjoy the Canadaian  life, whether or not you come back to Canada again.
 so you should enjoy your time, except shopping!!!! you need to remember that how much  money you spent shopping in Seattle for gifts!!!

You should not ask your parents for money..... you have already received a lot of money to travel.

I heard you are going to the United states  on vacation. I hope you enjoy wonderful vacation!!!


Anyway, you should always remember you don't have enough time in Canada and think about how to spend your valuable time

Good bye my lovley freind, Olivia


frome. Olivia

Elaine-9-Shooting

I was asking myself why there are so many shootings in schools.

In my opinion, one of the reasons is the great attention that media gives to these cases. It motivates others perpetrators to do the same, considering that it is a way to attract attention, and it is what people with mental problems usually want: attention!


Of course they have other ways to call attention to themselves, but having a gun motivates them to do such a thing. And they usually choose schools because it was the place that they might have been bullied, so they hold a grudge against it.

In some cases, I believe that relatives and close friends can even notice a weird behavior in the potential shooter, but they won't do anything to avoid it, after all they have no idea how serious the case is, not to mention that we never expect that a close person to us would do something of this gravity.

So, I believe that the only way to avoid these shootings is disarming ordinary people. If we have the police to protect us, there is no point of having a gun at home. Considering that is many cases, the home gun is not as useful as people thing that it would be.

Olivia-3-Shootings in Schools what can be done ?

How will we be safe?

  

 A few days ago there was a tragic incident which 20 children and 6 teachers were killed by gun at an eelementary School. It was only three minutes that the murder shot the gun and killed them.

The murderer used an assault weapon so there were so many casualties . 

 

                                                                                                                                             

.

 Not only the victims’ families but also many other people are mourning their death and are angry about this shooting. Some people point out  that the murderer could kill many people only because he used  such a powerful gun and they argue if we want to make  school and society safer  the government should ban guns. However, there are some problems; some people  insist on keeping guns and they think it  is needed for  self- defense. In addition, the gun companies have a great influence in politics so it is difficult to put pressure on them.

However, if we make a safer society, we can work out this problem. Now, the big problem is that anyone can buy firearms easily without permission. The second point is that the government should control buying and saling arm fires and should not permit the sale of arms in open market. Of course the government and companies should reach acompromise for the final solution.

wendy-3-Shootings in Schools what can be done ?

Reaction to Newtown school shootings

I read following on CNN, "The chilling sound of multiple shootings shattered the relative quiet of the school day at Sandy Hook Elementary School at around 9:30 Friday morning in US. The gunman forced his way into the school and killed 26 people(six adults and 20 children) in Connecticut. Children's age were all under the age of 10. Organizations are setting up ways to help through donations and support. They will provide support services to families and community. The Red Cross has also been on the ground, offering food and water to affected families and first responders, and providing more than 50 units of blood to Danbury hospital where some of the victims were transported. In addition, the nonprofit mental health clinic Newtown Youth and Family Services is providing counseling for families, community members and school staff. Also, there are many supporters.We can donate to help support them visit on Website." This story is everywhere  in newspapers, so we can know about all things of this news. Now, I want to give my opinion about this news.

Most of donations's purpose is making money to donate them. Donating is an important thing to support them but, I think victim's families were hurt because they've lost their dear families. The supporters who can help them relieve their wounded mind should counsel them. And we can send messages or cards to  them not only donating money. And we can prevent this situation and not to let it happen again. Parents should spend time with thier children not only to bring the bacon to home. Also, school principals have to prepare the teachers to react in emergency situations, and be ready to protect students in such situations. The US goverment has to control fire arms and make changes to gun's laws. I hope victim's families would be better.

Some children were putting candles on ground that set victim's photos.

Victor-2-Universal Language

For a Better Understanding: An Universal Language

I might be in pro of having an universal language because it has a lot of advantages even though it also has disadvantages as well. Having an universal language would allow people from different countries to communicate and understand easily to each other. Imagine that you can travel to any country to visit the wonders it has, and not only that, but being able to communicate with people efficiently, understand their culture and their beliefs. Giving the right assessment to the culture not only of each country, but each group of different beliefs allow us to create a better world of understanding, comprehension and endurance of customs through history.

On the other hand, even though there are between 6,000 and 7,000 languages and dialects spoken throughout the world, we have been able to develop knowledge in technology, medicine, biology, even to understand and communicate with animals, now, imagine all people speaking the same language, it will bring down the language barrier to work together in pro of a fastest development of technology, medicine and so on. It might also help to resolve the conflicts between countries.

I believe that in order to achieve that goal, we need to be aware of choosing the right language that allow us to keep the richness of meaning of every languages' expressions and at the same time it need to be the simplest and easiest of all of them if we need to chose one out of all the languages we got know.

Michell-6-universal language

Could be an Universal language ?

The thing that distinguished humans for other animals is the advantage of communication and language, we need it every second of our lives, because we live in society, that's the reason why there's a lot of language around the world and no only that, also there are dialects, body language and music etc that help us to comunicated what we want to,  but What do you think about having an universal language? there is a lot of benefits we can have, like better communication and in result a better relation between us, but which language we have to choose to be the universal one?

Well, I think is not possible try to choose just one language for everyone, because language is part of the culture, and is part of the background of someone, of course is not only going to be just one language but we can choose one that everyone have to know about, for example English is becoming one of the favourites language around the world and there is a lot of people trying to learning it, that's one of things about language, are a challenge for us because we can  try to understand other people and try to know about them.

Moreover others advantage that we can have is in the business area, science area, and technology area. We can make steps forward with just one language and we don't lose time in translations. We can create another and easy one for new generations and  the world could be more united.

Mayra-3-One Universal Language

Can we have a Universal Language?

Different languages exist all around the world, and each country has its own language to communicate; people who live in the same country don't have problems to speak to neach other, but could you imagine when you visit a foreign country and you can not have any communication with someone, that is the most serious problem. How can we communicate with the people who don't speak the same language with us?

The answer for this question is that we need a universal language, but what about the implication of  having only one language?

There are advantages and disadvantages to have a universal language. Some advantages are that we can communicate with foreign people, we can stablish relations with them, and  most important, we can express what we are thinking and what we want. Also, we can go whereever we want and don't have any problems to communicate with the people. Having a universal language is useful because we wouldn't have to worry about how we are going to talk, what we want to say; this is one way to expand   communication.

It would be better if all people around the world could speak the same language. We would have interaction with different cultures;  we could get more information about other countries. 

But what about the disadvantages? Having a universal language implies that each single word from our native language should be translated to another language; however, every country has its own alphabetical system, and the words and the meanings are so different. For example, when people translate words, they have to find the correct word and meaning, because in another language, there may not be the the exact equivalent; another example is the spelling, we don't write the same word in English as Chinese, and not all people can get the correct pronunciation and spelling, there are a lot of variables that we have to change to learn a new language.

Nick-25- Universal Language

                    LINGUA UNIVERSALI??

This question occurred to me last week, and it has been nagging my brain ever since. Wouldn't it be better if we had one universal language that would be the same throughout the world and perhaps beyond? or should every country keep their own language.

I think that the answer to this question is highly controversial. On the one hand, having several languages ensures the endurance of our cultural diversity. On the other hand, without a universal language how far can we go as human beings? how can we improve our social and technical skills without being able to communicate with each other properly?

First of all, I believe that we should have a universal method of communication with each other. Probably a language would be the most appropriate option because everyone knows how to use it. This universal language would give everybody a chance to participate in our development as a race, regardless of their ethnic backgrounds. We would be able to overcome our problems more easily with a universal language, because the more brains we got working on the problem the better our chances of solving it would be.

Moreover, having only one language doesn't mean that we should abandon our cultures and traditions. Actually I believe that if we replace our languages with a universal language, we would develop different dialects in time. These dialects would represent our country or region and we would still have our different cultural backgrounds while speaking the same language. This would improve our ability to communicate with each other.

Furthermore, this may sound funny now, but we should consider the possibility of life outside our planet. How would we communicate with aliens if we found them? If we want to expand our domain over more planets we must have a universal language in order to communicate with other forms of intelligence. Even if we don't want to expand, we should have it as a precaution against any external danger that may endanger us.

Last but not least, having a universal language would unite us under a single banner, thus it would prevent unnecessary conflicts between us. I believe that a universal language is crucial to our development and that even though it has got some drawbacks we should try to form a universal language among ourselves.