Animal Rights

Everyday shows on TV are exposing the terrible things that animals are going through, many dying. Shows about abuse, poaching and the list goes on. People are killing these animals for the stupidest things like “ Just the fins of a shark” Do you know what they do with the sharks? After they catch the shark they cut off all the fins the throw the rest of the body back in the cold, dark water, while the whole time this shark has been alive and suffering. “wanting fur from animals” In some places in china animals are taken for their fur. The worst part is that when their fur is removed the animals are still alive. Pain searing through their bodies as their own skin is cut from them. As for poachers, they kill endangered species or use illegal weapons. Some poachers just love killing animals, or want a trophy. Did you know that at least 50 animals are killed each day. All this pain all this suffering can you believe this is still happening out there?

Abuse, captured and killed. Animals who use to thrive in the wild are taken and put as pets, for show, traded, killed or for food. There are so many endangered animals all around the world like tigers, rhinos, leopards, whales and there are more and more of them on the list. Humans are the killer of these beautiful animals. Also animals are abused and hurt for ‘Not doing the right thing’. Who says what is right and what is wrong? One of the examples of an animal(pet) ‘doing something wrong’.

The street was dust with trash floating along the roads. Not really surprising, it was China. The only thing that stood out on the barren street was a dog. Tied to a pillar. The rope tied tightly around its neck almost choking the poor animal. Trying to break free from the rope. He yelps in pain as the rope tightens as he tries to jump back. He twists his head struggling to break free, he turns his head and chops down hard on the rope. The rope snaps, his neck is free. Out of breath, in pain the dog lays down on the hard pavement. An old chinese short woman burges out of the little house, yelling at the dog for all the noise it just made. The dog jumps up knowing what comes next, he attempts to avoid the punishment that is to come, but it is too late. A hard kick comes tumbling down to his side. Being flung at least a foot in the air that dog lands on his side. Winded, hurt and tired the dog stays put, scared to move. The woman walks back into the house not even checking if the dog was ok.

We should stop this abuse, pain, suffering. As a community we should strive to have a better and safer environment, not just for humans, but animal too.

Written by Kiana

The Traffic Rush

A couple weeks ago a girl and her dad were driving to the nearby mall, Parkway parade. They were sitting in the car for 45 minutes to reach their destination, the same destination that took 15 minutes to reach 3 years ago. “I should have take the other route,” the girls dad said. “It wouldn’t have helped, there is a queue there too!” the girl replied. The 2 of them waited impatiently to take the next u - turn so they could finally enter the building but as they turned the corner and entered the parking lot, there wait wasn’t over.

It was a pandemonium! There were cars entering from all directions of the car park and the first couple floors were chock a block full. The ceiling hung low, making the parking lot seem even more claustrophobic. They had to climb up to the 6th floor to find one cozy parking spot next to to 2 badly parked cars. It had taken them about 20 minutes just to find parking!

This is only one example of the traffic increase in Singapore. According to many Singaporean residents it used to take people 10-15 minutes to get just about anywhere in Singapore but that time has now grown to 20 - 45 minutes. Many people all across the globe make jokes about how Singapore is so small and how easy it is to get around but now that really has become just a joke.
This reporter found that 5 years ago, from the fort road junction it used to take 7 minutes to reach Changi airport. Recently the reporter checked again and the time has increased to 17 minutes. This is a tremendous change and something must be done to stop the growth of traffic. The Singapore government makes the prices of cars extremely high but this doesn't stop the wealthy population from buying more and more. We need to turn the joke back into reality.

Written by Aditi

Do Charity Events Actually Mean Something To People?

Many people take charity events for granted. Is proving an achievement more important than finding the deeper meaning and doing it for the cause? One example of this is the ALS ice bucket challenge. The challenge was recently set up so that those taking it up would get a chance to experience what it’s like to live with ALS during the split second when the ice cold water touches your warm and hydrated body.

Within 2 weeks after holidays, the students @ UWC had caught “the buzz .” As soon as many grade 8 students were home, they made sure that they did the ice bucket challenge before starting their homework so that they completed it within 24 hours and saved themselves $100. To prove it, they then posted it on social media sites such as Facebook, continuing the tradition. But, according to healthycompanies.com, “Its about the cause, not the ice bucket.”

The problem with this is that those doing the ice bucket challenge, not only at UWC but around the world, didn’t know what ALS is or who or why the ice bucket challenge was started. Most people did it to have fun or to tell their friends/ family that they had completed it.

The requirement was that those doing it would have to pay $10, and if they didn’t complete it within 24 hours from the time of their nomination, they would have to pay $100. One of the grade 8 students said:

“I think those who simply do the challenge without topic about the cause or foundation are the ones who aren't contributing very much to the organization.” Maybe it’s time for us to really consider why we are doing what we are doing.

Written by Ananya

Singaporean Snakes

Screams erupted from the Ardmore Park playground. Late that Sunday evening, a Reticulate Python was slithering on the cold metal playground equipment. As the children stood in place and sobbed, one child got up and ran for his mother.

Many would have stood and watched, but he ran for help.

Singapore, previously a water gypsy-rainforest, was and still is home to many snakes. The most common snaking in Singapore being the Reticulate Python. They are experts in climbing and swimming, and have no problem going through pipes. Though they are not venomous, they can give a nasty bite.

Five out of ten people do not know what to do in an encounter with a snake. According to ACRES, the Animal Concerns Research & Education Society, if you see a snake in the wild you should let them be, as they are quiet and shy but they can get aggressive if aggravated. If you see a snake in the urban area, recently they have paid visits to the ATM’s at orchard road and the swimming pool of Tanglin Swimming Club, one should call the ACRES 24 hour wildlife rescue hotline at 9783 7782.

As mentioned before, Singapore is a snake haunt and wildlife haunt (as it was previously a rainforest), but many Singaporean and expats alike are worried about the frequent appearances of snakes in houses and condominiums. “I wonder if younger children know what to do and are educated about this matter, they could get in serious danger if not careful but the best thing to is make sure they are not in the condos at all” Elizabeth Knight-Hassell comments.
In contrast, some people welcome snakes to their home. These people believe that is is actually the fault of humans of destroying their habitats of snakes and building concrete buildings. “We should respect snakes, we are the ones who cut down their homes, the least we can do is let them come to ours.” Manish Parwani, a resident of a snake infested condo explains, “This is what happens when we build on habitats.”

Written by Mehak