Milan buys into Brand Beckham

Name: Freya 翁(49712063)

Reaction Article#11

Date:16/12/2008

From:BBC NEWS

Milan buys into Brand Beckham
Former England captain charms the Italian press

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/dec/21/beckham-ac-milan-david-victoria

Now Beckham is hired to play for AC Milan temporarily. I personally envy him for he has the chance to have had stayed in so many places around the world; having experienced so many extraordinary things and earned money at the same time. Isn’t it great that travelling to be part of the job so there’s no need to spend extra money to travel? But he indeed deserves it. It means he really has talent and ability to have come this far. He’s now only 33 years old, yet he had become famous since I was in junior high. And now he’s still in his golden period. Of course besides his talent, dealing with the press and social are also the major factors that push him to a higher status. “Beckham rolled with the cynicism of some of the media questions and, as always, dealt with the demands made of him. It is impossible to dislike the man.” “Beckham dutifully said that he had dreamed of playing for Milan since he was a young boy. Then a local reporter pointed out he made no mention of the club in his autobiography. Beckham deployed effortless charm: "Hmm ... I thought I had ... Maybe I will write another one and put some pictures of me in an AC Milan shirt in there. Sorry."”Laughs all round. Inquisition over. Brilliant. See, even the loathful press likes him. No wonder he still performs brilliantly under so many pressure and attention. Equipped with good social skill and ability can one really succeeds and stand the test of time.

Greek economy woes fuel backlash

Name: Freya 翁(49712063)
Reaction Article#10
Date:11/12/2008
From:BBC NEWS

Greek economy woes fuel backlash

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7776102.stm

UN is just like a Global chess play, those leading countries serves as queen and king, where major economic activities and political plans are made, while other weaker ones are where the manufacture located. Here Greek, though a high-level economic standard country, has started to decline in the aspect of economy seeing the prices rising and the budget is tighten up. The report said Greece depends on the income largely on tourism, but it seems not to benefit the whole union much for they don't work for the union as a place for manufacturing or for business developing or agriculture apply. Seeing that there's not much communication between Greece and other major countries, Greece don't take advantage from the UN. No wonder Greece is dragged down by the UN. And personally I feel sad that the price rises dramatically, making it harder for me to travel there in the future. Though UN did some policy to curb inflation as well as decrease the greenhouse gas, the scheme taken isn't firm at all and favors the major countries such as France and German. Still, the leaders are short-sighted, if they recognize the action taken today would affect the future, they should make well-thought policy.

An audience with Grace Jones

Name: Freya 翁(49712063)

Reaction Article#9

Date:04/12/2008

From:BBC NEWS

An audience with Grace Jones

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7747522.stm

When I saw this report for the first time, I felt Grace Jones was so cool and was the very role model for me in that her idea matched mine. And it was so surprising that I should have seen her on the MTV European Music Award! The way she talked was indeed unusual, with profound humor and free language without official words---polite but vague. I see her uniqueness for her being original as well as appreciate her bravery of being herself and not surrender to so-call "popular" main stream.'your voice is your voice, no-one else has it' ,which was told to Grace Jones from her vocal coach was indeed inspiring. Why should we compete with others since there's no absolute measure toward anything? The best policy is do the best and try to surpass ourselves, isn't it? Just focus on ourselves and be confident is great enough but it's hard to anyone."I never do what anyone else is doing. I could walk away from music and become a farmer or do some crochet. The worst thing in life for me is to do something I'm not happy doing." That's the very value I cherish! But I know one must be of good capability to achieve this freedom doing what they want otherwise could only be ordinary people, being satisfied as long as they have a stable job. She make me stay firmer for achieving my dream. Yes, she is a woman with revolutionary idea and realize it, and that's what make her outstanding. She is, and always will be my role model.

Throw-away Britain

Name: Freya 翁(49712063)

Reaction Article#8

Date:28/11/2008

From:BBC NEWS

Throw-away Britain

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7746001.stm#3

Those approaches dealing with garbage in different countries seems brilliant and effective at the first sight. But when I give a second thought, the whole scheme is just absurd! If the main goal is to reduce garbage and encourage recycling, then what's the point in "curbing the result" but not to "eliminate the cause"? I'm not saying those approaches are bad, but the scheme completely doesn't aim at the right target. They should recognize that the major work is to terminate the material consuming in that we modern people are so used to the pattern that everything comes in convenient package and that goods are designed to-go. They are the real factor resulting in garbage-producing and further we have to deal with it, aren't they? So why not design a revolutionary improvement? Just transfer the market mode into package free. Foe instance, we can have milk stations, say, in 7-ELEVEN, where we bring our own container for milk instead of buy one already with container. If everything is package free; then is there any garbage problem? Besides, we definitely have the technology to do so; it just need time and people's cooperation. Since dealing with garbage is troublesome, why not put the effort in bringing containers? It's also easy to invent various waterproof and foldable containers so that they are convenient to bring when we shop and buy to-go food. And those factories where used to produce containers can make new ones so the factory wouldn't suffer disadvantages when the approach put into practice. The new containers should be sold more expensive since they last long and the factories wouldn't continuously produce them. The government should really take this revolutionary method seriously. It's the true solution to the problem and the method to make our lives better.

How to humiliate an overpaid footballer

Name: Freya 翁(49712063)

Reaction Article#7

Date:21/11/2008

From:UK Guardian

How to humiliate an overpaid footballer

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2008/nov/17/shortcuts-footballer-pay-celebrity

Though this report talked about the effective way to "punish" a football player by allotting him a humble car to use since he's so rich that only fancy car could go with his standard, the way seemed to and judge one's social value by the car one possessed. Besides that, it gave me the feeling that your belongings should match your fame. But it seemed to over emphasize the material thing. Must celebrities drive fancy cars, wear luxuries? I think that's just a public expectation and illusion; what's worse, the false recognition brought up by the media. After all, what's truly meaningful is to be wisely economical no matter you are a celebrity or an everyday person. If the true use of cars is to transport, then what's the difference between a Reliant Robin and a Lamborghini? The incident indicated the challenging to our pride. Whether one of fame could give up the exterior enjoyment as well as take public stereotype lightly is the big test of all time. We are of high status as long as we do the right thing, and that’s far beyond whatsoever the appearance could possibly explain. While this crazy world worships fame and wealth, we should always know what values most. Those superficial things are no doubt meaningless. The virtue and our thoughts are what really count.

I Hip Hop, therefore I am

Name: Freya 翁(49712063)

Reaction Article#6

Date:07/11/2008

From:Taiwan Culture Portal

I Hip Hop, therefore I am
http://www.culture.tw/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=645&Itemid=157

This article immediately catched my attention when I saw the word "Hip Hop" for I love dancing too.And what the article mentioned just stroke the right chord of me. Music and dancing are the most basic thing that delight people. However, we have forgotten how to appreciate them and enjoy them for so long a time. "Students were somewhat constrained in their body language and their connection to the music" he said,” probably due to our culture.”I had also sensed and experienced that when I learned dancing. But that would be such shame if we couldn't use our movements to speak for ourselves and feel the life of our body. Sometimes it's much more powerful than any spoken words, and you would definitely be amazed and addicted to that.
"From morning to night, Monday to Sunday. They dance, basically, for fun." Indeed, to dance doesn't require you to be skillful, you just have to stretch your body and work your passion. I feel nothing can make me feel more free than dancing."we learned to make a closer connection with music and developed a cheerful attitude towards dance, music and life."I can feel so alive than ever when I dance, all burden and restriction are left so far behind. I don't have to care for anything or obey any rule and manner. I just have to feel myself and go with the music. It's amazing how dancing can give us so many inspirations, dancing is a form of exercise, therefore it should be popular among all ages and should be a habit.If it really happens, the atmosphere of Taiwan's society would must be more diverse and vibrant. "Passion is the most important element to sustain your aspirations." I totally agree with that. Passion is definitely the decisive quality when it comes to achieving our dream. That's the very condition for success.

Suicide bomber attacks Afghan ministry

Name: Freya 翁(49712063)

Reaction Article#5

Date:31/10/2008

From:UK Guardian

Suicide bomber attacks Afghan ministry

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/oct/30/afghanistan-suicide-bomber-kabul


It's really sad to see human beings killing each other just because they possess different ideas.
The hatred between Taliban and other modern countries especially the United States was sprung from Taliban's considering unacceptable toward the relation between the US and Afghanistan in that they regard the government to have been corrupted for the economic relation with America. Besides that, Afghanistan's society had been falling, the economy as well as people's situation had been worsen, however, the government only comforted the nation with unsubstantial promises, which lead to the revolt of Taliban. Taliban was composed of pashtuns people and they realize autocracy and caesaropapism. But things didn’t turns out fine under their ruling. They set the rules that women couldn’t receive education or have a job and prohibit any entertainment such as movies, television, dancing. Their actions were also extremely radical. They said they were raising Jihad for the honor of their country and religion. However, their domination fell apart in the end in that they didn’t bring much progress for Afghanistan but make the society more chaotic with strict rules.

Now the situation has developed into two opposing sides of opinion. People in most countries may think Taliban’s deed has gone too far, but we can have other interpretation about why they are so radical. Maybe the United Stated should be responsible for it to some degree. Just as the saying goes, “History repeats itself.” I feel they have sunk into the blind fight which has lost its original purpose. And I feel deep grief reading ”A thousand splendid suns” by Khaled Hosseini, the novel narrating Afghanistan people’s life. The true meaning of Jihad has twisted. So many lives has been perished, is it worth it? Man is often unconscious of their deed when they just go with the flow of how things change. But we should and we must come to our senses. The resolution won’t come easy. But the two sides must stop this meaningless measure of war.

Why the hatred for Jamie Oliver? His ideas are pukka

Name: Freya 翁(49712063)

Reaction Article#4

Date:22/10/2008

From:UK Guardian

Why the hatred for Jamie Oliver? His ideas are pukka

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2008/oct/22/foodanddrink-oliver

Though I don’t know the incident the report is commenting about for I don’t know UK and Jamie Oliver well. But I did see him on “Travel & Living” channel teaching cooking. I enjoy learning cooking from him in that he reversed my idea that cooking shows are all boring; instead, he explains the process in a catchy way that you pick it up without memorizing the process. Besides, the way he behaves is so nature that you won’t feel you are watching a show but watching a friendly cook showing you how to cook in front of you. That’s really pleasant, and you would get interested in cooking, thanks to his being influential in a natural way. And I really made some delicious spaghetti by following what he told, it was really delicious.
The things I know about him are that he’s a famous cook in UK and runs restaurants, also hosts some TV show and published some books. I felt sorry for Jamie Oliver learning this news. How come should a kind man treated rudely by some specific people who have false viewpoint and have poor judgment. It’s even worse that those people should attack him with twisted reasons including his craving money, which neglect his good intension that he wants to let English people have more healthy diet and let them appreciate what we eat and how we cook; he raise celebrity craze of the public, however people who are wise respect him with good reason and he surely deserves his fame.
It’s sad that sometimes people just would do cruel actions, even in such developed country as UK. I see how terribly human’s dark side influences the society. I hope that the English who have false bias toward him would recognize the truth soon and support Jamie Oliver’s ideas which bring progress to UK’s society.

Taiwan's product designs make impact at Paris show

Name: Freya 翁(49712063)

Reaction Article#3

Date:17/10/2008

From:Taiwan Culture Portal

Taiwan's product designs make impact at Paris show
(http://www.culture.tw/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=945&Itemid=235)

I feel quite proud when seeing this journal for it's an honor to receive international compliment especially in this case where we surpass other countries. It's also glad to know that we have Taiwan Creative Design Center and The National Taiwan Craft Research Institute to make efforts in designing. Hope this progress can really perk up our designing industry so that Taiwan would be more than just being characterized by a country specializing in technology industry. By diverse developng can we make balance in our society and elevate the international status of Taiwan. Besides, it's an unavoidable flow for Taiwanese people base our economy on various aspects rather than majorly on intelligence-related business since there's mere natural resource on this island.
Taiwan people should support domestic design as well. Ours own products are not neccessarily inferior to those famous brands. And ours can really cater to Taiwanese people's daily life based on the similar background between customer and designer. Actually, there're increasing numbers of domestic outlets, such as WorkingHouse, Target, Phoebe...etc. The quality of those products is pretty high. But they are all casual goods, I think we have huge potential for boutique. We should delicate our efforts to something lasting rather than temporary trend. Just like what the founder of Chanel, Cabrelle Chanel once said: I'm not creating fashion but creating classic. That's the spirit to create what stands the test of time. And we do have some well-known designers in and out of Taiwan. I'm looking forward to that day when we don't have to blindly persuing foreign famous brands.

High quality U.S. education to embrace talented Taiwanese ~ Taiwan

Name: Freya 翁(49712063)

Reaction Article#2

Date:10/10/2008

From:Taiwan Culture Portal

High quality U.S. education to embrace talented Taiwanese ~ Taiwan
(http://www.culture.tw/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=917&Itemid=235)

In Taiwan, the U.S. seems to be the top option for further study, not only for a master's degree but also for undergraduate study or even high school education. In a word, when it comes to study abroad, "America" would naturally flash through Taiwanese people's mind.Indeed, the United States is one of the best when it comes to education all over the world.Personally, I really appreciate how their education system works-their students can choose whichever courses they would like to learn.This kind of free learning environment can really equip students with diverse capabilities.No wonder they are competitive and adaptable.Also, the students are so active, they dream boldly and actually take action to realize it, this is also the characteristic of the American, which really stimulates the progress in both education and society. That's the foundation why America is so-called the most powerful country.What's better, American students can find where their passion belongs to in their early age. Unlike Taiwanese student, we have a lot of boundaries, it's a must to learn what we're not interested in when high school, and can't choose whatever courses we want to take freely in college because we have to decide what to major and that is unchangable. It's common for Taiwanese students to feel that some kind of force is stopping them from give out their talent, suppressing their passion for various things that they are interested in.Through this coparison, we see it's one of the obvious reasons why American students are generally better than Taiwanese ones.Therefore, I would suggest our government to improve our education manner. Heading for America for study should not be a trend because we do have the ability to elevate our education system.

'Cape No.7' shakes up Taiwan's film industry

Name: Freya 翁(49712063)

Reaction Article#1

Date:10/08/2008

From:Taiwan Culture Portal





'Cape No.7' shakes up Taiwan's film industry

(http://www.culture.tw/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=812&Itemid=235)


Influenced deeply by American movies, most Taiwanese people prefer Hollywood blockbusters to local ones.And I, no exception, am fond of and familiar with western movies but can't tell exactly what local ones that impress me.Remembering when I entered the theater for "Cape No.7", I didn't cherish much expectation since I'm not interested in local movies.To my great surprise, It turned out that I walked out of the theater with overwhelming appreciation."That, is a Master piece",I thought .Following the elaborately designed story line, the incidents went so naturally without any artificial trace or unnecessary plot that I was utterly sank into the movie. I felt like I was right beside those characters, watching their separate lives bumped into one another, producing conflicts and then fused as one. There were so many elements that touched me, including the eternal love between lovers, how well was the plots mended together, their tolerance for one another and for the environment,and the growth of the characters when their mindsets transformed from narrow ones to open ones.

Unlike those Hollywood movies with splendid effects but shallow meaning, Cape No.7 is relatively simple, however, it delivers profound thoughts(mentioned in the report). Moreover, the background is based on Taiwan,Pingtung, which makes this film full of local atmosphere, and further calls for audiences' recognition.I think it's part of the reason why this movie can be so popular, which has made eighty million dollars.What's more exciting, Cape No.7 had been chosen for Pusan international film festival along with other nine movies. I hope that this role model can perk up the movie industry in Taiwan. And there would be more and more brilliant and hard-working directors devote to film making. Last but not the least, Cape No.7 is really an honorable movie and indeed deserves its fame.