Friday, November 21, 2008

S'porean women's progress hampered by parents who are overprotective

From MY PAPER, My Say

 THURSDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2008 

 

THE commentary, “When women can dream big dreams” (my paper, Nov 18), provides food for thought.

 

Although Singapore women have made some progress in the corporate world and political arena, they are still unable to keep pace with the changes in society.

 

While their Western counterparts call for equality and say that women can be better than men in anything they do, local women still find their lives revolving around their family, and do not attach great importance to women’s rights.

 

Singaporean mothers open their eyes wide in disbelief when their daughters express their wish to embark on careers in the uniformed services, such as the police force or military.

 

They react vehemently, saying that such jobs are meant for men.

 

Some girls forgo furthering their careers and studies overseas as they do not want to cause unnecessary anxiety to their parents, who feel that their daughters are suitably comfortable living and working in Singapore.

 

Despite being better-educated and more knowledgeable than their forebears, the present generation of parents, especially mothers, is overly protective of their young – daughters in particular.

 

This is a sorry state of affairs, as it limits the scope of experience for young girls and women, and prevents them from travelling abroad to live and work.

 

Women will find it difficult to dream big dreams if the environment they are presently in remains a stifling one.

 

Mr Jeffrey Law Lee Beng

 

When women can dream big dreams

From MY PAPER, Home, My News

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 18, 2008

 

ON LESSON FROM U . S . ELECTIONS

LEONA BOEY

 

OBAMA-MANIA has gripped the world. There’s no gainsaying the significance of President-elect Barack Obama’s win, especially in the light of African-American history.

 

A barrier has been broken, and it’s clear that for the United States and the world, at least one thing has changed for the better.

 

Am I the only one, though, to think of the other barrier that has yet to be broken?

 

The world’s superpower came within a hair’s breadth of being led by a woman president or, at least, a woman vice-president.

 

Consider this: In the US, the 15th constitutional amendment guaranteeing voting rights to black Americans was passed in 1870, whereas women gained voting rights only in 1920.

 

Almost a century later, a recent World Economic Forum survey of 130 countries showed that while women have achieved near parity with men in education and health, the gap in economic participation and political empowerment remains large.

 

“What’s the big deal,” you may ask. “There have already been women leaders in India, Israel, Germany, Britain, New Zealand and the Philippines...”

 

Sure, but I believe that the recent US presidential elections highlighted some difficulties that women still face on the road to power.

 

Take vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin, for example.

 

She was ridiculed not just for her lack of experience or foreign-policy savvy, but also for her personal appearance.

 

No male candidate would have been subjected to such scrutiny.

 

As for Senator Hillary Clinton, it seemed that in this particular election, people were looking not just for competence, but also for a dream-maker.

 

There are many competent women around, but not many who have the self-confidence to stand before a crowd and share their dreams.

 

A few years ago, a friend told me about her struggles with her only child, a teenage daughter.

 

Her daughter’s dream was to study music but, like many pragmatic Singaporean parents, she did everything she could to point the girl towards a more practical direction.

 

“Anyway,” she concluded, “it doesn’t really matter what she chooses, because she’s only a girl.”

 

Her daughter is now studying nursing.

 

Just the other day, my son came home from kindergarten and reported how his teacher got his class to talk about their ambitions. Most of the boys aspired to be firemen, doctors and such.

 

“What about the girls?” I asked. “Oh,” he shrugged. “They all want to be nurses.”

 

Now, I would be the first to agree that nurses fulfil a vital vocation. They deserve our highest respect. But, obviously, there is a gender stereotype at work here, even among five-year-olds.

 

I look forward to the day when such gender stereotyping is swept away, when the barriers preventing girls and women from dreaming big dreams – and having the confidence to live up to them – are broken once and for all.

 

Maybe next time, Hillary.

 

 

myp@sph.com.sg

The author is a freelance writer and editor who lives in an HDB estate in the north of Singapore. She worked in the financial sector for 10 years before taking a break to be a full-time mum to two young boys. 

 

A CHANGE OF PERSPECTIVE

From TODAY, Voices

Friday November 21, 2008

 

By Dr Bill Maier

 

I know women whose lives once completely revolved around their daytime jobs.

 

At work they could get more done by noon than most people did all day— and they were just getting started. They’d move from one task to the next without skipping a beat. Competence was their middle name.

 

Then they decided to have kids and suddenly all that changed.

 

Days that were once taken up by high-powered meetings were instead spent feeding and diapering their new baby. Their PDA was replaced by a baby bottle.

 

And they couldn’t be happier! What started out as a short sabbatical from work became their life’s crowning achievement.

 

Because the thing that changed most in their life was their list of priorities.

 

What they’re doing now is more important than a million corporate takeovers — and they know it.

Revelation 3:8

Revelations 3:8

When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go, only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly! 'The power of one sentence! God is going to shift things around for you and let things work in your favor in Jesus name Amen. If you believe, it will work. God closes doors and no man can open & God opens doors and no man can close. If you need God to open, some doors for you...send this to encourage people. Have a blessed day and remember that you are a blessing !...

You are truly loved and covered in prayers.

JESUS IS LORD OVER ALL YOU ARE GOING THROUGH NOW, THEREFORE BE STRONG IN HIM.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

RULES VERSUS PEER PRESSURE

From TODAY, Voices

Thursday November 20, 2008

 

By Dr James Dobson

 

Even good kids can get into trouble. That’s why teenagers need well-defined rules.

 

Most kids don’t want to do things that jeopardise their future. But parents should never underestimate the power of peer pressure. If you want your kids to stay safe, make sure you set and enforce clear boundaries.

 

No teenager has a reason to be out with friends late at night. A friend of mine says: “Nothing good happens after midnight” and I think he’s right. Unless it’s a planned event and well chaperoned, make sure your kids are home at a reasonable hour.

 

Then teach your kids what to do when faced with peer pressure. That’s another good reason for a curfew. They can say, “Sorry guys, but I have to be home by 11.” Giving kids a good excuse helps them save face when things get out of hand.

 

Help your teens stay out of trouble by setting clear and reasonable rules and then enforcing them.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

BABY BLUES

From TODAY, Voices

Wednesday November 19, 2008

 

By Dr Bill Maier

 

Almost all new mothers experience some form of the “Baby Blues” after giving birth, and these feelings almost always disappear within the first two weeks.

 

But sometimes these blues persist or get worse, giving way to a more serious condition called postpartum depression. That’s why it’s important to watch for the warning signs.

 

Some mothers experience prolonged depression or a loss of interest in day-to-day activities.

 

They may lose or gain weight unexpectedly and have trouble sleeping. Feelings of guilt or low selfworth are common. In severe cases, suicidal thoughts will come to mind.

 

Postpartum depression is a very real condition and it can get worse if the mother is not treated.

 

It usually takes just a few weeks of counselling or medication to overcome. If you’re concerned about yourself or your spouse, call your doctor immediately.

MOVING FORWARD BY LOOKING BACK

From TODAY, Voices

Tuesday November 18, 2008

 

By Dr Bill Maier

 

Couples tend to spend too much time worrying about the future and not enough time looking back on special memories.

 

Instead of focusing on what you wish you had, why not celebrate what you already have?

 

My friends, Les and Leslie Parrot — both doctors — suggest that couples set aside a regular time to sit down and recall the great things that have happened in their marriage.

 

Talk about the first place you lived as a couple and how much fun it was decorating it together. Keep family photo albums around the house and look through them together.

 

Why not set a date night, and instead of going out, make popcorn and watch old home movies? Even your kids will get into the swing of things.

 

Then spend some time telling stories about how you met, and how you came to be married. Recall all the great family vacations you’ve had, and the friends you’ve made through the years.

 

Nothing will strengthen the future of a marriage quicker than reflecting on the past.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Motor Show in Korea

See how Korea has evolved… including the girls…

Best 30 e-mails in 2007

The below are voted to be the best 30 e-mails in 2007


 
 
Why 'MEN DIE FOR WOMAN' ?.... This is the best among the other pics
 
 



 


  

 
 
The Best Lovers among the top 12 lovers
 
 



 


  

 
Born Mathematic Genius Answer Papers..
   
  

 



 


  

 
 
Funny PICS
 
 



 


  

 
 
Out of very good pics [12] in 'MOTHER THE MOST CARING PERSON'
 
 



 
 


  

 
The very good office Humor
  

 



 


  

 
 
The Cool Signs
 
 



 


  

 
 
The Unconvensional Way of Repairing : Best One
 
 



 
 


  

 
If you have a trouble in waking up ..Here is one of the very good way out of ten ways
 
 



Find The Pin - You need find the right pin to stop it's ringing.
 Not going to stay sleepy after this mission.


  

 
The Best Award Winning ADD
  

 



 
 


  

 
Worlds SADDEST PIC
 
 



 
   


  

 
The RIGHT ANGLE
 
 



 
 


  

 
 
SONY CHOCOLATE MOBILE .Front view

 
  

 

 


  

 
 
The Best Wall Paper
 
 

 

  
  
  

 

 


  

 
The BEST Funny Wall Paper
 
 



 
 


  

 
 
' SIX CREATIVE WAYS TO KILL HUSBAND' --- Here is the best way
 
 



 


  

 
Jokes (in Eng)..,Couldn't quote a single as so many were good..

 Customer : Waiter, do you serve pigs?
 Waiter : Please sit down sir, we serve everyone.
 
 Lady : Is this my train?
 Station Master : No, it belongs to the Railway Company.
 Lady : Don't try to be funny. I mean to ask if I can take this train to New Delhi .
 Station Master : No Madam, I'm afraid it's too heavy.
 
 

 


  

 
 
This is the Best Animation
 
 

 

  
  
  

 

 


  

 
Best informative mail : Artifical BEACH IN JAPAN ...
This is an artificial beach constructed in Japan .
 Fully indoor (top opens) climate controlled summer throughout the year.
 Water is temp controlled, the sand granules are specially made so that it
 gives u the feeling of playing in the sand, but it doesn't stick 2 ur body!
 In summer, the top dome can be opened 2 let in natural light!!

 
  

 

 

<HRsize=2 width='100%' align=center>   

 
 
The Unbelievable Stupid Technology... Best One
 
 



 


  

 
 
The Best PIC that Describes the Friendship
 
 

 

  
  
  

 

 


  

 
 
Painted Hands..Best One..
 
 



 


  

 
 
When Cloning gone wrong.... Picked the best from the Excellent collections
 
 



 


  

 
Cute
 
 



 


  

 
When computer geeks get bored
  

 

 

  
  
  

 

 


  

 
In the mail quoated 'THIS IS MY DREAM'...This is one of the dream

 An 'excentric',- SOLID GOLD - LAPTOP P IX. 20. 2G. RAM 5G.20 '' LCD.
 Mousepad and Keyboard made of authentic ELEPHANT IVORY.
 Diamonds all around the laptop. 
 Sorry dunno the cost.