Friday, December 21, 2007
Merry Christmas!
We wish you a joyful Christmas filled with wonder & delight. Discover the magic of Christmas all over again and enjoy this holiday season.
May your holiday be wrapped in happiness and tied with love!
Best wishes for a happy new year 2008!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Row starts over 12 year old model
This is a story about the Australian fashion industry. Recently a 12 year–old girl was picked by fashion bosses for a top modeling job. She had to present the Gold Coast Fashion Week. She didn`t join any catwalk shows - just her face was used in images to advertise the event. The Australian Prime Minister was very concerned about this and expressed himself about this
topic to the public. Finally a row has started in Australia. The parents of the child who was picked by the fashion bosses don`t mind. They are of the opinion that the Prime Minister is out of touch. After all every 13 year old wears adult clothes.
I don`t agree with this point of view. As a mother it`s her responsibility to care for her child. As a matter of fact the development of teenagers has changed in the last few years. You can`t compare the situation with the past. The teenagers already seem to be grown up. Despite of the fact they also need time to grow up. And that means they should behave like a “real child”. In some European countries you are not allowed to be (used as) a model under the age of 16 then they can at least focus on school.
A lot of young girls are dying to be a model. To be a model is associated in their mind with success, beauty and prosperity. But they don`t realise that it is a hard business and that it would take a long time to be successful – and of course a lot of luck. They are just treated as an object and that is the reason why they need some experience in life. In such young years they aren`t able to handle defeat. Besides the model business is renowned for its “food habits”. There is a lot of pressure, so they finally want to be the one and only but it can`t work because fashion embodys different kinds of personalities and tastes.
As far as the fashion industry is concerned I wonder why they want to present their fashion on a 12 year old model. With such a compaign they usually want to reach a different market. That means they want to make their fashion attractive for their customers. Finally they have to concentrate on that group and have to convince them. Perhaps it could be difficult by using a 12 year old child to target an adult group, eg they have another body frame and don`t seem to be mature.
However in a way one can say that the fashion business will always be a world to its own.
by Anne U.-B.
(picture copyright by Instant Cast)
topic to the public. Finally a row has started in Australia. The parents of the child who was picked by the fashion bosses don`t mind. They are of the opinion that the Prime Minister is out of touch. After all every 13 year old wears adult clothes.I don`t agree with this point of view. As a mother it`s her responsibility to care for her child. As a matter of fact the development of teenagers has changed in the last few years. You can`t compare the situation with the past. The teenagers already seem to be grown up. Despite of the fact they also need time to grow up. And that means they should behave like a “real child”. In some European countries you are not allowed to be (used as) a model under the age of 16 then they can at least focus on school.
A lot of young girls are dying to be a model. To be a model is associated in their mind with success, beauty and prosperity. But they don`t realise that it is a hard business and that it would take a long time to be successful – and of course a lot of luck. They are just treated as an object and that is the reason why they need some experience in life. In such young years they aren`t able to handle defeat. Besides the model business is renowned for its “food habits”. There is a lot of pressure, so they finally want to be the one and only but it can`t work because fashion embodys different kinds of personalities and tastes.
As far as the fashion industry is concerned I wonder why they want to present their fashion on a 12 year old model. With such a compaign they usually want to reach a different market. That means they want to make their fashion attractive for their customers. Finally they have to concentrate on that group and have to convince them. Perhaps it could be difficult by using a 12 year old child to target an adult group, eg they have another body frame and don`t seem to be mature.
However in a way one can say that the fashion business will always be a world to its own.
by Anne U.-B.
(picture copyright by Instant Cast)
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Utopia by Jördis J.
In my utopia, the people live their lives without any sorrows.
The weather is a mixture of every weather-but not the extreme ones like tornados. There aren't any epidemics. The area is a mixture of different areas. One area for example has mountains. The people there can live away from tourism. Both in winter and in the summer you can go skiing, climbing or you go for a walk and enjoy the beautiful nature (countryside).
Everyone is employed and earn their own money. That's why the industry is in my utopia. The birth rate is sufficient, so that every person will get a pension. The political system is a democratic one and there is no discrimination between different people.
The weather is a mixture of every weather-but not the extreme ones like tornados. There aren't any epidemics. The area is a mixture of different areas. One area for example has mountains. The people there can live away from tourism. Both in winter and in the summer you can go skiing, climbing or you go for a walk and enjoy the beautiful nature (countryside).
Everyone is employed and earn their own money. That's why the industry is in my utopia. The birth rate is sufficient, so that every person will get a pension. The political system is a democratic one and there is no discrimination between different people.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Where is the best country to live in?
Where would I like to go? It is not easy for me to answer this question because I have never thought about the possibility to migrate to a foreign country.
But for sure I would choose an English speaking country because there is no other language I speak as well as English. And it must be a warm country – America or Australia for example. But the problem with Australia is the left-hand side traffic. That could be dangerous for me, so it is better to avoid driving a car. I think it would take a long, long time to get use to the left-handed traffic.
But on the other hand this country is huge and so impressive with all its scenic attractions.
How to earn money? First I would try to get a job as secretary but if this does not work I would do something totally new for me: open up a restaurant, a special one: a vegetarian and non-smoker restaurant with a large variety of fruits, vegetables, milk shakes, coffee and tea and special offers for children. There would also be newspapers for the adults, toys for the children and a water place for dogs. All employees would be very kind and welcome you with a smile.
A big challenge and also an adventure.
But: nothing ventured, nothing gained.
(by Sabine Z.)
But for sure I would choose an English speaking country because there is no other language I speak as well as English. And it must be a warm country – America or Australia for example. But the problem with Australia is the left-hand side traffic. That could be dangerous for me, so it is better to avoid driving a car. I think it would take a long, long time to get use to the left-handed traffic.
But on the other hand this country is huge and so impressive with all its scenic attractions.
How to earn money? First I would try to get a job as secretary but if this does not work I would do something totally new for me: open up a restaurant, a special one: a vegetarian and non-smoker restaurant with a large variety of fruits, vegetables, milk shakes, coffee and tea and special offers for children. There would also be newspapers for the adults, toys for the children and a water place for dogs. All employees would be very kind and welcome you with a smile.
A big challenge and also an adventure.
But: nothing ventured, nothing gained.
(by Sabine Z.)
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Utopia by Alireza A.
Utopia is without any doubt one of the best counties in the world. Utopians enjoy many advantages such as a high standard of living, access to good health care and education and a beautiful environment. Utopia has 80 millions population and about 1.5 million square kilometer area and also with a sea border to the world. The official language is English.
Utopia is a democratic country with free and fair election, the protection of political minorities, respect to human rights and equality of law for all. People have the same right and live together freely with different religions and ethnic backgrounds.
In spite of a low unemployment rate the people who don’t a find a job or are suspended from work will be supported by the Government to have a minimum level of life and will be helped to find their suitable job.
Tourist facilities are widely available and therefore there is a great interest for tourists and tourist agencies. Utopia is an advanced industrial country and has the leading position in different technology areas. The export, tourism and agriculture are the main sources of income for the country.
An immigration policy is applied each year according to the needs of the country. Criteria for selection will depend upon the different expertise someone can offer. The number selected will be restricted by immigration control to keep levels of quality high in my utopia.
Utopia has a pleasant climate with a four season year. In winter the snowy mountains of utopia is a fantastic tourist attraction for skiing and other winter sports. The beautiful environment of Utopia contains pleasant sandy beaches, hilly areas and mountains, beautiful forests and many other site seeing opportunities.
Utopia benefits from an advanced education system that draws the attention of many foreign students to study in this country. The Utopia University’s position in recent international ranking was very high.
Utopia is a democratic country with free and fair election, the protection of political minorities, respect to human rights and equality of law for all. People have the same right and live together freely with different religions and ethnic backgrounds.
In spite of a low unemployment rate the people who don’t a find a job or are suspended from work will be supported by the Government to have a minimum level of life and will be helped to find their suitable job.
Tourist facilities are widely available and therefore there is a great interest for tourists and tourist agencies. Utopia is an advanced industrial country and has the leading position in different technology areas. The export, tourism and agriculture are the main sources of income for the country.
An immigration policy is applied each year according to the needs of the country. Criteria for selection will depend upon the different expertise someone can offer. The number selected will be restricted by immigration control to keep levels of quality high in my utopia.
Utopia has a pleasant climate with a four season year. In winter the snowy mountains of utopia is a fantastic tourist attraction for skiing and other winter sports. The beautiful environment of Utopia contains pleasant sandy beaches, hilly areas and mountains, beautiful forests and many other site seeing opportunities.
Utopia benefits from an advanced education system that draws the attention of many foreign students to study in this country. The Utopia University’s position in recent international ranking was very high.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Obesity and our society
Reasons for obesity:There could be a variety of reasons for obesity, but I think there are particularly two:
The first is the modern way of life, which includes that a lot of people get other people to do their work. They don't do the sports or exercises themselves, they watch it on TV. Children spend more time playing computer games than running or playing outside. Many people lead inactive lives and eat too much. They eat too much und they eat the wrong food, that means food with a lot of calories but with small amounts of vitamins und minerals. They prefer prepared food which contains too much fat to increase the taste.
The second reason is that many people are involved in problems and experiences related to stressful situations, which they can't manage. They eat to compensate and to forget their stress or they just eat to reward themselves.
What can society do:
One way could be to make clear the consequences of eating badly/unhealthily/wrongly. This could be done as a warning clip in TV or at radio. The young people could be instructed at school. Furthermore it would be necessary to emphasize the positive side of preparing and eating healthy food e.g. a family could be improved if the whole family did the cooking together.
Which people could I influence to reduce obesity:
A friend of mine is very obese, because she eats to forget her stressful situation. Unfortunately the situation can't be changed, but perhaps the view of it. Of course she knows about this bad habit. I don't have to explain this. But I try to emphasize her successes. I try to be a good friend to her and to help her become more confident. If she became more satisfied she would have the power to reduce her obesity.
(picture copyright by the coachhouse nursery)
Friday, September 07, 2007
Creative writing club
The passenger awoke with a start to find the train moving through unfamiliar scenery. Along came picturesque landscapes, with planes as flat as a pancakes and with almost red hot sand on them. The time flew by, and so hour after hour, the panoramic view from the window of his carriage changed. Mountains passed away. With their snow white peaks, they appeared like sleepy, calm giants. It became freezing cold outside, and ice crystals built up on the windows. The passenger was tired and with the setting of the dawn, he closed his eyes and snuggled into the velvet smooth pillow he carried with him. He fell into a deep sleep.
All of his fear and anger fell away, and he left all of his gloomy thoughts behind him.
When he had started his journey in the morning, he carried only the absolute necessities with him to begin a brand new life. The trip from the east to the west coast through the whole country would take three days.
Three days to reflect all the damn things which had gone wrong in his life.
Yes, he´s on the run, on the run from his former life that he couldn’t stand anymore.
First thing he saw when he opend his eyes in the morning, was the face of a pretty lady in her mid twenties. With her soft skin and her bright blue eyes she smiled at him and asked politely if she could bring him something for breakfast. At first he was startled, but then he remembered he had bought a full-service-ticket. Hesitant he ordered an English breakfast with bacon and eggs. The coffee was boiling hot - he burned himself and got angy. He swore like a trooper, but a moment later he calmed down. Cheerfully he called for the waitress and ordered another roll.
The train was moving further and further, and thoughts were floating through his head. What could he do when he arrived in San Francisco,?
The journey took him alongside big cotton plantations, and he saw workers with clothes which were nearly torn to pieces. And he thought , they should be better dressed for such a hard work.
A day later he arrived in San Francisco, and when he got out of the train, he saw
people with faces as black as cole all around him. They were mine workers, searching for gold and loosing their health. The clothes they were wearing were as frazzled as what the cotton-field-workers wore. And Suddenly, out of the dawn, it was crystal clear for the clever young man. He had to start up a workers-clothes-manufacturing-company. Clothes that should be rock-solid but still comfortable and flexible, so as to not to interfere with the workers’ daily tasks.
And so he developed the first pair of jeans.
(by Sandra N.)
All of his fear and anger fell away, and he left all of his gloomy thoughts behind him.
When he had started his journey in the morning, he carried only the absolute necessities with him to begin a brand new life. The trip from the east to the west coast through the whole country would take three days.
Three days to reflect all the damn things which had gone wrong in his life.
Yes, he´s on the run, on the run from his former life that he couldn’t stand anymore.
First thing he saw when he opend his eyes in the morning, was the face of a pretty lady in her mid twenties. With her soft skin and her bright blue eyes she smiled at him and asked politely if she could bring him something for breakfast. At first he was startled, but then he remembered he had bought a full-service-ticket. Hesitant he ordered an English breakfast with bacon and eggs. The coffee was boiling hot - he burned himself and got angy. He swore like a trooper, but a moment later he calmed down. Cheerfully he called for the waitress and ordered another roll.
The train was moving further and further, and thoughts were floating through his head. What could he do when he arrived in San Francisco,?
The journey took him alongside big cotton plantations, and he saw workers with clothes which were nearly torn to pieces. And he thought , they should be better dressed for such a hard work.
A day later he arrived in San Francisco, and when he got out of the train, he saw
people with faces as black as cole all around him. They were mine workers, searching for gold and loosing their health. The clothes they were wearing were as frazzled as what the cotton-field-workers wore. And Suddenly, out of the dawn, it was crystal clear for the clever young man. He had to start up a workers-clothes-manufacturing-company. Clothes that should be rock-solid but still comfortable and flexible, so as to not to interfere with the workers’ daily tasks.And so he developed the first pair of jeans.
(by Sandra N.)
