Earth Hour: Turn lights off, brighten our lives

Due to the bad consequences of climate change, our beautiful planet is constantly coping with more and more severe natural disasters, such as: tsunami, earthquake, flood, ice melting, and drought. They are, in fact, the deadly dangers threatening our future, even our existence. Undoubtedly none of us wants to witness such a tragic ending, so we all have to do something to speak one voice for one united action. “Earth Hour”, promoted annually by World Wide Fund, is really now what we need not just to save energy, raise our awareness of climate change, but most importantly show our solidarity.

The first positive effect that “Earth hour” brings us is saving energy. Simply switching lights off for one hour, we can reduce electricity consumption tremendously. For instance, in Vietnam, electricity use fell 500.000 kilowatts during Earth Hour 2010, three times higher than the first time the country joined the event in 2009. In fact, the more countries participate in this campaign, the more energy we can economize, the more money we have to invest in and develop environmental projects like planting trees, building up sewage systems, cleaning the water, and protecting wild animals. Moreover, saving energy also means decreasing the risk of global warming because we will cut down an enormous amount of carbon dioxide into the air from the burning of fossil fuels which are considered as the main cause of greenhouse effects as well as ozone hole. “Earth Hour” not only helps us save energy but also contribute to environment protection.

In addition, thanks to “Earth Hour”, we can raise awareness of global warming.
In only 60 minutes, everyone seems to understand more clearly about the reasons that lead to climate change and try to find out best methods to minimize them. With the development of the society, the demand for energy is higher than ever. In order to supply people with energy, we burn coal, oil, and natural gases. We realease greenhouse gas, especially carbon dioxide into atmosphere and make our planet warmer. The fact that people suffer from montrous disasters and unkillable diseases is unavoidable. And ice melting, the most dangerous one which turns our earth into an ocean by raising sea level, can occur if we do not control damage on the environment. The responsibility for global warming belongs to human beings. Realizing this deeply is the motivation for us to have right thoughts and right actions with a better view to make our stand against climate change. Obviously, “Earth Hour” gives us more specific misson against climate change, and it is the reminder of the need for actions to protect our world for younger generation.

Essentially, “Earth Hour” demonstrates the unique of people all over the world. The campaign started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, when 2, 2 million homes and businesses participated. One year later, Earth Hour became a global movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries. In 2009, hundred of thousands of people took part in the Earth Hour. Over 4000 cities in 87 countries switched the light off. Earth Hour 2010 took place with the participation of about 1 billion people in 125 countries. These are the impressing figures for the development of “Earth Hour”. This also proves that people all over the world tend to be closer and closer to create the power to overcome all obstacles. All have the same goal: making our “Mother Nature” a better place to live. Taking part in “Earth Hour” also means we are building up international solidarity spirit which is very important for the existence of one world. During “Earth Hour”, people everywhere around the world stand in the darkness. It is the symbol for our determination and hope in stopping the degradation of the Earth’s mutual understanding.

Indeed, “Earth Hour” does not only give us the chance to save energy, but raise awareness of global warming, and develop the international cooperation as well. The bright future depends on us, so every individual needs to stand up, take responsibility, and act to turn one small action into big changes simply by joining “Earth Hour”.

“Turn lights off, brighten our lives”.

Women's Liberation Movement, Causes and Effects

Sine the middle of the century, women around the world have been seeking greater independence and recognition. No longer content with their traditional roles as housewives and mothers, women have joined together to create the so-called “women’s liberation movement”. While the forces behind this international movement vary from culture to culture and from individual to individual, the basic causes in the United States can be traced to three events: the development of effective birth-control methods, the invention of labor-saving devices for the home, and the advent of World War II.

The first cause of the liberation of women was the development of effective birth-control methods, freeing women from the endless cycle of childbearing and rearing. As a result of having a choice as to if and when to bear children, women acquired the freedom and the time to pursue interests outside the home. Because of the development of birth control, women could delay having children or avoid having them altogether; consequently, women had the opportunity to acquire an education and/ or pursue a career.

The second event was the development mechanized labor-saving devices for the home, resulting in more leisure time and freedom for women. For example, fifty years ago, a housewife spent an average of twelve to fifteen hours per day doing housework. Due to the invention of machines such as vacuum cleaners and dishwashers, a housewife can now take care of her daily housework in about five hours.

The third event that, at least in the United States, gave impetus to the liberation of women was World War II. During the war, most men were serving in the military. Consequently, women had to fill the vacancies in the labor force. Women by the thousands went to work in factories and even took over businesses for their absent husbands. This was a great change for the majority of American women, for they discovered that they could weld airplanes and manage a business as well as change diapers and bake cookies.

These three events planted the seeds of a great change in society, and the effects of this change are being felt at all levels: in the family, in business, and in government.

One of the biggest effects of the greater independence of women is being felt in the home. Because so many women are working, men are learning to share the household tasks of cooking, cleaning and even caring for children. In some families, husbands now stay at home while the wife earns the family in-come. It should be pointed out; however, that this is the exception, not the rule. In most families in the U. S., the husband still earns most of the money, and the wife still does most of the housework.

The effects of women’s liberation are also being felt on the job. More and more women are working, and they are demanding equal salaries and equally responsible positions. Many businesses encourage women to advance to management level, and every year, the nation’s schools produce more women doctors, lawyers and accountants.

Politics and government are still other areas that are feeling the effects of the women’s movement. Although the U. S. does not appear ready to accept a woman president as some countries of the world have, women are being elected to public office in increasing numbers. The U. S. currently has three women governors, which is the highest office in the state. In 1984, a woman was a vice-presidential candidate. A few years earlier, this would have been unthinkable.

In conclusion, women in the United States and Europe have been acquiring greater independence due to the development of effective birth-control methods, the invention of labour-saving devices for the home, and World War II. These liberties are causing sweeping changes in society: at home, at work, and in politics. While men may not be happy with these changes, they should always remember that it was they, the men, who created the conditions leading to the liberation of women. Men made war. Male scientists developed birth control, and businessmen earned a lot of money selling vacuum cleaners and dishwashers. Yet, women are thankful to these men as it was because of these men that women finally realized that their rights may not be ignored or suppressed by law, local custom, and behavior in a particular society.

University Life “You” “Revolutionize” Me!

             “Who will wake me up?”, “Who will cook for me?”, “How can I go to school?, and “How can I live in harmony with unfamiliar people?” are ridiculous questions I wondered two years ago when I prepared for entering the university. Time goes by; I have gradually found out the answers to these questions and at the same time overcome a lot of obstacles to improve myself. I realize that university life has not simply helped me enrich knowledge but changed me a lot in both personality and life style.

            The first change the university life has brought to me is an independent life. In fact, when I stayed at home, my parents took care of me, so I seemed to totally depend on them. Every morning, my mother woke me up, cooked the breakfast for me. Then my father rode me to school on his bike. But everything has changed now. I get a habit of getting up early to take the bus because my house is far away from my university. I also go to the market, cook the meals for myself, wash my clothes or even fix my bicycle sometimes. At first, I could not eat the food I cooked and I even broke a number of dishes. But later, all things were better, and now I am very confident to cook delicious meals for my family as well as friends. Besides, when I was in high school, whatever I did, I always asked for and followed my parents’ advice. Now I can decide what I would like to do as well as how to do it effectively. University life, indeed, helps me become more and more independent.

            The second effect the university life has had on me is a well-organized life style. When I lived with my family, I could be untidy because my mother often helped me arrange my room. Now, living with my roommates forces me to keep everything tidy because that is not my own room. Moreover, there is a lot of pressure on my studying, so it is very important for me to manage time well. I have learned the way to spend time reasonably as well as to balance between studying and relaxation. I now do not waste time chatting or sleeping. Instead, I spend more time reading books and practicing other important skills. I am really happy and proud, too because I can give up the untidiness that seemed to be impossible.

            The most dramatic change I have got thanks to the university life is sociability. Living with many friends who have different personalities, I have learnt how to live with their bad habits and learn from their strong points to perfect myself. Significantly, now I have known to think about other people and share with them the difficulties. Before, I did not know how to take care of the sick. Worse, many times I did not pay attention to the feelings of others. However, now I realize that I can do meaningful things and my positive attitudes as well as good behaviors have influences on the surrounding people. This is the motivation for me to live more responsibly. Essentially, the university life has created a favorable environment for me to work in group and take part in many social activities. I have chances to make friends with interesting people from these activities. They also help me improve communicative skills and feel more confident in communication. All in all, how wonderful it is that I am now less selfless and more willing to help others when they are in need.

           Two years has passed since I started learning here at University of Technical Education. Two years is not a long time, but enough for me to change a lot for the better. From a dependent, untidy, and timid girl, I have become more independent, well-organized and sociable student. “University Life, I Love You! You Have Revolutionized Me!”

Earth Hour

Due to the bad consequences of climate change, our beautiful planet is constantly coping with more and more severe natural disasters, such as: tsunami, earthquake, flood, ice melting, and drought. They are, indeed, the deadly dangers threatening the future, even the existence of human beings day by day. Undoubtedly none of us wants to witness such a tragic ending, so we all have to do something to speak one voice for one united action. “Earth Hour”, promoted annually by World Wide Fund, is really now what we need not just to save energy, raise awareness of climate change, but most importantly show our solidarity.
 

The first positive effect that “Earth hour” brings us is saving energy. Simply switching lights off for one hour, we can reduce electricity consumption tremendously. For instance, in Vietnam, electricity use fell 500.000 kilowatts during Earth Hour 2010, three times higher than the first time the country joined the event in 2009. In fact, the more countries participate in this campaign, the more energy we can economize, the more money we have to invest in and develop environmental projects like planting trees, building up sewage systems, cleaning the water, and protecting animals. Besides, saving energy also means decreasing the risk of global warming because we can cut down an enormous amount of carbon dioxide into the air from the burning of fossil fuels which are considered as the main cause of greenhouse effects as well as ozone hole. “Earth Hour” not only helps us save energy but also contribute to environment protection.

In addition, thanks to “Earth Hour”, we can raise awareness of global warming. In only 60 minutes, everyone seems to understand more clearly about the reasons that lead to climate change and try to find out best methods to minimize them. With the development of the society, the demand for energy is higher than ever. In order to supply people with energy, we burn coal, oil, and natural gases. We realease greenhouse gas, especially carbon dioxide into atmosphere and make our planet warmer and warmer. The fact that people suffer from montrous disasters and unkillable diseases is unavoidable. And ice melting, the most dangerous one which turns our earth into an ocean by raising sea level, can occur if we do not control damage on the environment. The responsibility for global warming belongs to human beings. Realizing this thing deeply is the motivation for us to have right thoughts and right actions with a better view to make our stand against climate change. Obviously, “Earth Hour” gives us more specific misson against climate change, and it is the reminder of the need for actions to protect our world for younger generation.



Essentially, “Earth Hour” demonstrates the unique of people all over the world. The campaign started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, when 2, 2 million homes and businesses participated. One year later, Earth Hour became a global movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries. In 2009, hundred of thousands of people took part in the Earth Hour. Over 4000 cities in 87 countries switched the light off. Earth Hour 2010 took place with the participation of about 1 billion people in 125 countries. These are the impressing figures for the development of “Earth Hour”. This also proves that people all over the world tend to be closer and closer to create the power to overcome all obstacles. All have the same purpose: making our world a better place to live. Taking part in “Earth Hour” also means we are building up international solidarity spirit which is very essential for the existence of one world. During “Earth Hour”, people everywhere around the world stand in the darkness. It is the symbol for our determination and hope in stopping the degradation of the Earth’s mutual understanding.



In general, “Earth Hour” gives us the chance to save energy, raise awareness of global warming and develop the international cooperation. The bright future depends on us, so every individual needs to stand up, take responsibility, and act to turn small actions into big changes simply by joining “Earth Hour”. The more we support for “Earth Hour”, the brighter our world’s prospect is.

halloween

Halloween, which takes place every year on 31st October, is an important event, particularly in America. It originated hundreds of years ago when it was believed that on this night the souls of the dead came back and walked among the living. Today, it is treated light-heartedly and celebrated mainly by children.

A certain amount of preparation is required of those who take part. Costumes and masks, typi­cally of ghosts or witches, have to be made. Sweets are bought and parties are organised. Most importantly, a lantern is made. This is done by tak­ing a large pumpkin and cutting out the inside, which is then used to make a pie. Next, holes are cut out of one side in the shape of an evil face, and a candle is placed inside the lantern so that the light glows through the eyes and mouth.

On the day itself, or rather in the evening, children wander around the streets dressed in their costumes. The custom is for children to knock on doors in their neighbourhood and say "Trick or treat". This means that their neighbours have to treat them to sweets or candies, otherwise the "ghosts and witches" will play a trick on them. Usually the adults offer them something, but if they fail to, then a practical joke might be played. This is usually something harmless such as putting shaving foam on the uncooperative neighbour's windows.

If a party has been arranged, then the lights are turned out and the children take part in a vari­ety of activities. This might include anything from telling ghost stories to dancing. Although the par­ties are based on a rather frightening theme, the emphasis is, of course, on having fun. A typical party game for Halloween is played by putting apples into a barrel of water and inviting the children to pick them up with their teeth. Special drinks are made, which are served with the traditional pumpkin pie.

Many people enjoy Halloween as an excuse to dress up and have fun. It is unique in that its theme is essentially not a pleasant one. However, I it remains popular and is eagerly anticipated every 4 year by people of all ages.

Halloween

About four years ago I was invited to a Halloween party at the home of a friend. I was reluctant at first but I decided to go to help out with the arrangements.

On the afternoon of the party, I drove to my friend's house with a huge box of materials which I thought might be useful for the preparations. The children were full of enthusiasm as they worked on their masks and costumes. But the best part of all was making the lanterns. I was amazed at the imagination that the children showed when cutting grotesque faces out of the hollowed-out pumpkins. The mood of anticipation was so intense that, by the time the last costume had been made, I was as excited as the children.

By six o'clock, the party was well under way and the house was full of screaming children, with me running around in a mask trying to scare them. At one point during the evening, prizes were awarded to the children who had made the best costumes. Games were organised, including one where the children had their hands tied behind their backs while they tried to pick apples out of a barrel of water using only their teeth. When the party finally ended, the children left in a noisy group, running ahead of their parents and doing their best to scare any unfortunate passers-by.

Rediscovering what it is like to have fun without feeling embarrassed was a fantastic experience. My initial hesitation disappeared once I had decided to get involved. Helping with the children's games enabled me to enter into the party spir­it. I saw it as an opportunity to experience the sheer joy that comes so naturally to children.

Another thing that made it a particularly enjoyable occa­sion was that it brought back memories of my own child­hood experiences. I remembered my own excitement when we were dressing up in scary costumes, and the thrill of going from house to house, bags held open for whatever goodies would be put in when we shouted, "Trick or treat!" I also remembered the time we had been chased by a stingy neighbour after spraying his windows with shaving foam.

Since those days I had nearly forgotten about Halloween, but this party gave me so much pleasure that now it is a reg­ular fixture in my diary. I think everyone should have the chance to feel like a child at least once a year.

Diwali, the Festival of Light

Last autumn I was in India during Diwali, the "Festival of Lights" which takes place every year to celebrate the victory of good over evil. This festival lasts for five days and is held at the end of October or in the first week of November.

Preparations began weeks before the event. People cleaned their homes and painted wonderful designs called rangolis on the walls and floors. They bought beautiful new clothes and jewellery to wear during the festival, and women made delicious sweets which were better than any others I have ever tasted.

During the five days of Diwali, every home and temple was decorated, inside and outside, with lovely clay lamps and colourful candles. After dark, the whole neighbourhood glittered with thousands of tiny lights, as though in a fairy tale. Excited children set off firecrackers, and at first I was frightened by the loud bangs, but the spectacular display was so fascinating that I soon joined in the spirit of the celebration.

Diwali is a deeply moving festival. I am very grateful I had the chance to share in this celebration of peace and harmony. I have fond memories of the experience, and in particular I will never forget how friendly and generous the people were.