CESL TODAY

News Talk interviews

Smoking in bars

In this article, California smokers don't care about the law banning smoking, even though the bar owner might be able to get a temporary exemption, because those officials indicate that it is not easy to enforce the law. Moreover, other officials also point out that the law is too ambiguous. They think that only posting the "No smoking" signs to inform customers that smoking is prohibited is not really enforcing the law. By the way, there is an assemblyman who also attempted to repeal the smoking ban and claims that drinking and smoking freely without suffering criminal penalties will be ok by his measure. Since California smokers neglected the law, the measure will become "a bitter fight." In many areas there are small bars. The health and tobacco lobbies are involved. California was the first state in the nation to establish a smoking ban in bars; however it is history now because the California State Assembly has already passed a bill to challenge the ban.

My survey about Nonsmoking- The American female student says that the reason she agrees with the smoking ban is that she won't stink when she goes home from the bar. And it is better to ban smoking in the bars because it can protect people who work in the bars for health reasons. She also says that she prefers to go to the smoking-banned bars to work there because she thinks that health is more important than money sometimes. Moreover, she indicates that staying in a bar where it is ok to let people smoke is no good because it is too smoky.

-Selena

gay marriage

The article I read is about gay marriage in the United States. Almost all 50 states are going to ban gay marriage. Even though nearly 3,000 same-sex couples got married last spring in Oregon, the state is leading the drive to nullify same-sex marriage.

I interviewed two people with the following questions:
1. Do you accept gay marriage?
2. Do you think homosexuality is innate or acquired?
3. If your children want to get married to same sex, do you agree?
4. What do you think about homosexuals adopting kids? (When the children grow up, will they meet some problems?)

The first person's answers were:
1. I don't know.
2. Innate.
3. I agree. Children can do whatever they want to do.
4. No, the child won't have problems.

The second person's answers were:
1. I accept, because it's not my business.
2. Both, but acquired probably might be more. If the society accepted gays and teachers teach us we need to respect them, when a man or woman always gets hurt in emotion with opposite gender, maybe he or she will try to get self-confident with same gender. If this situation really works, one day probably he or she will become a gay or lesbian. So what kind of surroundings he or she stays in might probably affect him or her to be a homosexual or not.
3. I agree. If the child is happy, why not! But I might have a hard time in a couple of months or years.
4. I don't think that is a good idea, because the society won't accept gays, and it's hard for him or her to tell people my parents are gays. And another problem is the child might not figure out what is different between mom and dad at his or her childhood and why his or her parents are different from other children's parents.

-Luke

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The title of my article is Rally opposing same-sex marriage stops in Carbondale.

An anti-gay marriage tour stopped in Carbondale last October to support traditional marriage and to force Illinois to pass the laws against gay marriage. They promote this tour because they think gay marriage will hurt future generation's perception of what marriage is. And they think traditional marriage is productive.

-Young

Traffic safety

Final Project
Tzu-Wei Kuo
Campus & town traffic safety

In this article, Tragedy stresses the importance of safety from the Daily Egyptian, Monique Garcia said that one girl was killed on the campus. And then a student established an organization, Advocates for Crosswalk and Traffic Safety. However, this case pressured administrators to reduce the speed limit on campus from 25 mph to 20 mph. Despite this campaign, dozens of bicyclists, motorists, and pedestrians are still not paying attention while they go through crosswalks. According to Liti, "Sometimes it's scary. In the mornings, you get the people flying through crosswalks because they are late for class or work. I have to stop and make sure I look both ways. But no matter what, I think it is the responsibility of the driver to slow down. I know that when I drive, I am really paranoid about bikers. I am scared that I won't see them."

First of all, according to a campus policeman I interviewed, he believes the 20 mph speed limit is appropriate and does not believe it needs to change. Moreover, currently, there is not a law forbidding the use of cell phones while driving; however, he believes this is an issue that merits continued monitoring and possible consideration for a law if there continues to be accidents associated with cell phone use while driving. According to his experience, he believes a combination of speed and lack of attention to driving are two of the biggest factors overall. He believes alcohol is a prime factor for accidents involving certain age groups.

Second, let's see. Suggestions for campus traffic safety. I think come cars may need to go more slowly because drivers do not pay attention to what's happening on the sidewalk, and they only focus on the street. They might just be driving along checking out the scenery, too. However, in the U.S. pedestrians have the right of way and it is the responsibility and the obligation of the driver to watch out for pedestrians. Nevertheless, of course, pedestrians should pay attention. They need to look both ways before crossing-stop, look and listen-and like I said, try to make sure eye contact has been established before proceeding, i.e., before crossing at the crosswalk.

Finally, according to laws and customs here, the pedestrian always has the right of way, no matter what. If they cross in a place that is not a crosswalk and cause a car to have to slow down, that is called 'jay-walking' and police can give pedestrians a ticket or a fine for that.

My hero (AE1)

The Prophet Mohammed (peace upon him)

My hero is the prophet Mohammed for many reasons. First of all, people in the past and today keep calling him honest, trustworthy, and unique. In fact, he never lied and all the people kept their possessions with him when they traveled because he was trustworthy. Second, he showed the people the right way. Because, in the past men didnšt respect women, they were alcoholic, and didnšt know about the lord. They were in darkness. Third, he was prudent and he knew how to deal with different situations. Moreover, he convinced these people to stop the bad things that they were doing and asked them to do the right things. For example, to treat people right and pray to god. Finally, the Prophet Mohammed is not just my hero, but he is every muslim's hero for what he showed us.

by Ammro

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The General Lee Sun Sin

My hero is The General Lee Sun Sin. First, he was a good admiral. He had many war victories. Second, he invented the "turtle ship". It is an ironclad warship shaped like a turtle. He used it in battle. Third, he gave up his life for his country. For example, in his last battle he was a living corpse, but he said, "Donšt say I died". He is immortal. In conclusion, he died after a long time and many people remember him including me.

by Seunghun

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Alisa's New Year

Alisa is from Korea, and she has a special day called "New Year's Day." She told me it is an important day for Koreans. They celebrate on January 1 of the lunar calendar. She will wear traditional clothes and visit her ancestors' graves to thank them for protecting her. She will also celebrate with her whole family, like cousins, uncles and so on. They will eat dumplings, fresh fruit and rice cakes which can bring wealth. Before she celebrates, she has to clean the house, and prepare food and money to welcome New Year's Day. She will chat, watch TV, play cards and visit famous sights with her whole family all day. She will receive and give cash and new clothes at the same time. She is looking forward to New Year's Day coming because she doesn't have to go to school. It is a very long vacation for her. New Year's Day is a wonderful memory for Alisa.

by Anny

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A Chorus of Angels

My oldest niece's birthday was very noisy but funny. My oldest niece is Joomi. You can call her Sandy. This year, she was 9th. My older sister and I decorated the home with balloons and photos, and pictures. Also we prepared for them enough food. For example, Bulgogi, gimbob, pizza, snacks, beverages etc. She invited all of her classmates and about 30 members gathered at a home. They made noise as if every children of that ages is child-like. First, they started to eat lunch. All the food dissappeared in a instant. After lunch, my niece wore a concert dress, played the piano and the violin for her friends. The audience including friends and family applauded her performance. And then they frolicked and ran around the home. After they left, we had to spend a long time cleaning up. Although I was out of my senses, that memory remains in my mind as a happy time.

by Alisa

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I Love Jet Lee

My favorite actor is Jet Lee. First, I love Jet Lee because he is a very good actor and a very good entertainer. He is an international actor. He has acted in a lot of movies, such as Kiss of the Dragon, Hero, The One. All his movies have been very successful. Second, Jet Lee fights very well. He learned martial arts when he was young, so he is the best in martial arts. Third, his face is very handsome. He always smiles, and he looks like a kind man. In conclusion, these are the three reasons why I love Jet Lee.

by Lacy