Jurong Town Council to be first town council using LED lighting

Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1058943/1/.html

Jurong Town Council will be the first town council to start using LED Lighting for its common areas in public housing estates. This measure will change all of its 95,000 fluorescent light tubes in corridors, staircases and void decks. The LED Lighting installation will consume less electrical power and it will also save the town council 1.1 million annually.

I believe that this LED Lighting project can also help the environment because lesser electrical consumption will mean lesser air pollution due to fuels being burned to create electricity. I think that we should reduce the amount of electricity usage in order to play our part to save the environment.

15 killed in Indian cyclone

Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_529101.html

The Cyclone Laila slammed into the South Indian Coast on Thursday, causing heavy rains and winds of up to 90 kilometres per hour. It also uprooted trees and electric lines which caused disruption and damage in the South Indian coast. The heavy rains and winds killed at least 15 people over the past 24 hours and at least 55 fishermen were reported missing. More than 50,000 people were moved from the coastal and low-lying villages to the temporary shelters and government buildings.

I think that we are very lucky because Singapore does not have any natural disasters that are similar to India. Also, this can show us that we must treasure life as much as possible, because unexpected things in life like natural disasters can happen any time which can take life away.

Man invades baseball outfield

Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_529285.html

Authorities say a homeless man who said he was looking for the fastest route to a concession stand was arrested because he was walking on the outfield in the midst of a minor league baseball match in Pennsylvania. His action made him get charges on criminal trespass, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness. It was seen by the police that he was lowering himself to the fence and into the field and the ninth inning during an Altoona Curve game against the Akron Aeros.

I think the actions of this homeless man is very foolish because he did actions that are very gullible which caused him to get criminal charges that most probably led him to jail. Also, this can create harm for the public as he may not what he's doing and thus, lose his senses which can result to himself doing something that may harm other people, even though with no intention.

Bribery a solution in Russia?

About 55% of the Russians in a 1600-man poll taken from a Levada Centre shows that the Russians thinks that bribing officials is a best way to solve problems. Even though the Russian president has pledged to build a law-abiding Russia, the findings from Levada Centre shows that Russians still pay bribes to obtain medical services, get driving licences etc.

This article has shown me that Corruption amongst the government with the people will make the country a total mess, for example people seeking important medical services will be deprived of it etc. Thus, I feel that we should all be thankful that Singapore is a country that is lawful and we should do our part to be a law-abiding citizen.

Beijing Schools beef up security

Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_526029.html

More than 2,000 security guards dressed in riot gear were sent to some Beijing schools on Wednesday, but thousands more were needed to patrol the capital's schools alone. Throughout the nation, similar scenes were occuring nationwide.

I think that this action made by the government can ensure the safety and also see that the children can have education in a safe environment, despite the rioting and troubles of the outside happening in the whole of China.

Tear gas used on protesters

Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_522961.

Protesters tried to storm into the Greece's parliament house and hurled paving stones to the police, who responded with tear gas bombs. This is due to the government's action on the harsh spending cuts to save Greece from bankruptcy. There were riots everywhere in the Greek Capital, with chants of 'thieves' being called by the demonstraters.

I think that this riot occurs due to lack of communication between the Greek Government and the people of Greece. The people rioted because they do not understand the actions of the government. However, it is because the Government did not explain fully to the people, thus leading to misunderstandings between the people and the Government, which led to the riots in Greece.

NY car bomb suspect nabbed

A man that is identified as a US citizen of Pakistani origin has been nabbed because he is suspected to be in connection with an attempted car bombing at NY's Times Square.
Shazad Faisal, a Pakistani-American, was said to be arrested at Long Island, New York. It has been said that the 30-year-old man was linked to the SUV seized with explosives on 1 May.

I think that this action is irresponsible and foolish because this not only create damage to the streets of New York but also can cause many lives to be lost. This article taught me to be alert at all times, because even simple and common things seen everyday like cars can cause a lot of harm because explosives found in vehicles can create massive destruction.

Make Public Hospital Bills

The Health Ministry will compel private hospitals to make hospital bills in private hospitals public so that they can make Medisave claims for their patients. This can allow patients to compare between the public and private hospitals. The private sectors of the hospitals bill the patients in a complicated manner, thus this measure to make hospital bills is done.

I think that this measure can allow Singaporeans to have more alternatives for choosing healthcare. Also, families with lower financial income can get better healthcare without having to worry for medical expenses because Medisave can cover the medical bills. Also, some people that use healthcare in private hospitals may not know how the bill is charged. Therefore, if the change is implemented, all the citizens will get to benefit for it allows us to know more about public hospital bills.