Paris attacks

Link: Paris attack—as it happened

Summary:

On the evening of November 13, 2015, a series of terrorist attacks in Paris killed more than 120 people and injured almost 200, with 80 serious injuries. A Paris city hall official said four gunmen systematically slaughtered at least 87 young people attending a rock concert at the Bataclan music hall. Anti-terrorist commandos eventually launched an assault on the building. The gunmen detonated explosive belts and dozens of shocked survivors were rescued. Some 40 more people were killed in five other attacks in the Paris region, including an apparent double suicide bombing outside the national stadium, where Hollande and the German foreign minister were watching a friendly soccer international.

Opinion:
It is clear that this incident has left an impact on many people around the world, and I feel that it should deserve the front cover of a major magazine because it was the most tragic and saddening news that had happened all year. Many people lost their loved ones in the bombing and it has also caused many people to reconsider their choice of holiday locations, causing many tourism businesses to lose out. Not only that, it had shocked the world into realization of the seriousness of the threat of terrorists. Many countries had also banded together to help out France in tracking down the terrorists which was quite admirable.

US Supreme Court Legalizes Gay Marriage

Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-33290341

Summary: On June 26 2015, the US Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage is a legal right across the United States. 14 states with bans on same-sex marriage will no longer be able to enforce them, and thus ruling brings to an end more than a decade of bitter legal battles. Some celebrated this occasion with rainbow flags, while others had differing opinions on same-sex marriage.

Opinion: The US has taken a huge step towards equality through the legalization of same-sex marriage and that is why we feel like this piece of news should be on the front cover of the Times magazine. For many years and even till today, the LGBT community has faced discrimination, hostility and sometimes even violence against them, solely because of their sexual orientation. Even the legalization of same-sex marriage did not fail to spark debate among the country's citizens. In our opinion, we feel like none of us have control over our sexual orientation and it is something we cannot choose. Furthermore, why are people who have absolutely no control over their gender not given equal rights as the rest? In the past, interracial marriage was illegal. But now, modern society has realized that it was a law that denied equal rights to couples who loved each other. The issue of gay marriage is not any different. Especially since the legalization of same-sex marriage has no effect on the heterosexual community, why is the LGBT community denied of such a right? Currently, only 21 countries in the world have legalized same-sex marriage and that says a lot about how much the LGBT community is accepted in today's society. Many other countries are still too conservative to legalize same-sex marriage, hence, we think that the US has done something great by legalizing same-sex marriage not only for their country but also for the rest of the world to follow through. Therefore, with this article on the front cover of the Times magazine, it will continue to help spread awareness on LGBT rights and it will influence the rest of the world to give the LGBT community the rights that they deserve.

South Korea: Mers virus outbreak is over - theguardian

Link: South Korea: Mers virus outbreak is over

SUMMARY:

With MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) spreading like wildfire during the middle of 2015 in Seoul, South Korea, citizens were sent into panic-mode while the country's economy took a significant dip. This epidemic disease killed a total of 36 citizens and hospitalized hundred others, causing thousands of schools to cease activities and slowing the pace of its usually fast-paced tourism industry in the process. Fortunately, this has since ended after no cases were reported after the one reported on 4 July 2015. 

OPINION:

It is clear that this issue has left a significant impact on many, with newspapers updating people around the world on the number of cases just about everyday during that season. Hence, without a doubt, I feel that it deserves the front cover of TIMES magazine. Reminding us that these sort of scenarios can also play out in such highly urbanised and modernised countries like South Korea, it also gives us insight of how the leaders of the country managed the situation so successfully. Not simply minimising the number of deaths, they also managed to put an end to the situation in a limited period of time. In fact, this was spearheaded by the many measures that they had put in place to prevent further spread of the disease, such as sterilising their subway trains every single day, while persuading their population to remain calm. This is a lesson that citizens and leaders all over the world can learn from South Korea: to stay calm and trust the leaders especially in a state of emergency and to do whatever it takes to put an end to dangerous situations. Therefore, with its valuable insights and lessons to the general population, this piece of news surely deserves a place on the cover of TIMES magazine, it being a magazine that reports on issues from all over the globe. 

Outbreak of Zika virus

Link to news: Zika virus spreading explosively

Summary: In 2015, Zika virus was detected in the Americas, where it is spreading explosively. The Zika virus is transmitted by the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Brazil has recorded nearly 4,000 cases of microcephaly, a serious and normally rare birth defect that may be linked to Zika, since the start of 2015. 

Opinion: I think that this article is very important and should be the headline of TIME and NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC magazine is because Zika virus is a disease that occur to America now and have a possibility of spreading to the whole world. We should be alert and be sure that we have not contracted the disease. If we had Zika virus, we should go through the medication procedure in hospital for the better of us and others. In my opinion, the disease will spread to us only when we go to countries with this disease. Putting this news as priority helps to bring aware to all people of the symptoms and cautions. When there is a new cure or treatment or more information about that disease,  everybody will pay attention to it and know how to beware of it or take precautions in order to prevent getting it. I feel very worried for those patients who have such illness as there is no cure developed yet so it is very dangerous and deadly.

Climate Agreement

Link to news: Paris Climate Agreement

Summary:
At the end of the year, world leaders reached a landmark agreement on climate change at a massive summit in Paris. After a fortnight of tough, draining negotiations, nearly 200 countries agreed to a long-term goal of keeping global warming "well below" 2 degrees Celsius.

Opinion:
I feel heartened to know that nearly 200 countries had decided to work together to reduce global warming. Many events had caused rift against countries, but in the end the earth is still our home. Global warming is a common problem amongst the whole world, so there is a need to work together. The fact that richer countries had help provide to poorer countries had shown the compassion and trust that exists among each countries too. In my opinion, with so many countries working hand in hand, thia project will definitely be successful with the cooperation from everyone.

Supreme Court makes gay marriage legal throughout US

Link to news: Supreme Court makes gay marriage legal throughout US

Summary: In a ruling on Friday, June 26, the highest court in the United States said the Constitution requires all 50 states to carry out and recognize marriages between people of the same sex. The US Supreme Court made same-sex marriage legal throughout the nation in a much-awaited landmark decision that triggered wild jubilation and tears of joy across the country.

Opinion:  The reason why we choose this news to be on the front cover of the Time magazine is because the issue on gay marriage has received worldwide attention from all over the world arguing that it should be accepted by the society. On a personal level, We feel that gay marriage should be accepted by society. Not everyone is being born normally, and some may have different sexual orientations. We have no rights to change who these people really are and the more we should not oppose to same-sex marriage. Who says marriage has to be a "Man-Women" thing. Gay marriage is just a marriage of the same gender with different sexual orientations. No one should go against them. I feel that it is a great move for the supreme court to legalise gay marriage after the big discussion on gay rights. If we have our rights, they should have theirs' too.

Nasa scientists find evidence of flowing water on Mars

Link: Nasa scientists find evidence of flowing water on Mars

Summary: Water runs down canyons and crater walls on Mars, according to researchers who say the discovery raises the chances of being home to some form life. Water may rise up from underground ice or salty aquifers, or condense out of the thin atmosphere. 

Opinion: In my opinion, this news deserves to be on the front cover because it is an important breakthrough by NASA's Mars Exploration Program. It also serves as a crucial clue that suggests there might be extraterrestrial life in the universe. Are there extant lives out there, or is it just us alone, in our solar system.  This definitely excites readers and change their views of Mars - it is no longer just a red planet. Furthermore, they are able to learn of the world beyond our own, and some might even gain interest about the vast universe. Human curiosity as well as advanced technology have brought us this far, and this time, we made another huge discovery. Perhaps someday, in the near future, we may even colonise Mars, allowing us to live on another planet.

2015 will be the hottest year on record

Link: 2015 will be the hottest year on record

Summary: Climate scientists are predicting that 2015 will be the hottest year on record "by a mile", with the increase in worldwide average temperatures dramatically undermining the idea that global warming has stopped. It is believed that the average temperature increase will be so much higher than in 2014.

Opinion: The reason why this article should be on the cover page is to alert people that global warming is getting increasingly serious. From the news, it is said that 2015 will be the hottest year on record. This shows how important it is to prevent the problem of global warming from continuing to worsen at such a fast rate. Everyone will then be more encouraged to do their part as global warming impacts not only others but also they themselves. If everyone makes an effort to do their part to save the environment, all together, it will definitely help to decrease the rate of global warming or even prevent it from worsening. If we continue to damage the environment, the world will get hotter and hotter and one day we may not even be able to live on Earth any longer. Therefore, it should be on the cover page so that more people will be aware of this issue and do their part to save the Earth.

Paris Attack: Friday November 13th

Link:
Paris attacks: Toll rises to 128 dead, 99 critically injured; 8 assailants killed after multiple terror strikes

Summary:

The bloodiest attack seen in Europe since the 2004 Madrid train bombings happened on 13 November 2015. Terrorists attacked restaurants, a concert hall and a sports stadium across Paris, killing more than 120 people. Eight assailants had also died, seven of whom had blown themselves up with explosive belts, while one had been shot dead by the police. There was no verifiable claim of responsibility but supporters of the Islamic State militant group confessed that the attacks were their doing.

 

Visibly shaken President Hollande declared a nationwide state of emergency and announced the closure of France's borders to trap any loose gunmen. All emergency services were mobilised and buildings were shut. Radio stations broadcast warnings to stay home and urged residents to give shelter to anyone caught out in the street.

It was unclear what political impact the latest attacks would have on the regional elections. Leaders of other countries had expressed concern about the attacks and regarded them as inhuman. Prime Minister Lee also condemned the shootings, calling it an attack on our shared humanity and has raised Singapore's vigilance.

Opinion:

I felt that this piece of news should deserve the front cover of the newspaper, because it is one of the bigger news that we have heard off for the year 2015 and the news of the Paris Attack is so groundbreaking that nearly the whole world knows about it on the morning of Nov 14. So how fast did the news spread? It was so fast that one day after the incident happened, all of the social media were flooding with posts that state"Pray for Paris". From this simple example, I can tell that the Paris Attack was of great significance to the people around the world and is definitely a news worthy to be remembered. Another reason why the news should deserve the front cover is that the Paris Attack involves the infamous terrorist group, ISIS. ISIS has been a hot topic of the year as they were condemned for several inhuman acts such as the beheading of humans, hence, putting this piece of news as the front cover of newspapers or magazines would help to raise awareness for the rest of the world to stand up together and fight ISIS. These are the reasons why I feel that the Paris Attack deserve the headline and front cover of the news.

The dystopian lake filled by the world's tech lust

Link: The dystopian lake filled by the world's tech lust

Summary: Baotou is a mine for rare earth minerals and these elements are the unsung heroes of modern technology as they are found in almost everything from flatscreen Television  to mobile phones. The Inner Mongolia China lake was once used for farm land and turned lake due to flooding and river damming and it has been used for the deposition of toxic waste such as cerium and neodymium. Cerium is used to polish touchscreens for smartphones. Neodymium is a well-known magnet used to make headphones and hard drives. Due to the increase demand for electronic devices, the Inner Mongolia China lake hence becomes badly polluted.

Opinion: The reason why we choose this news to be on the front cover of the Time magazine is because we believe that it is an important news everyone should know about. Many people often think that electronic devices are environmentally friendly because reading books online save trees and most people relate to electronic devices causing negative effects to our body. However, these smartphones or laptops are proven to be affecting the environment too. The demand of smartphones will only grow in the recent years, the waste created would increase and that one day the waste would be out of control. I think there is a need for everyone to be aware of the harm those devices bring to the environment.

Why Did ISIS Attack Paris?

Link to news: Why Did ISIS Attack Paris?


SUMMARY: On the 13th November, ISIS attacked Paris and killed 129, injuring many. Investigators race to identify the assailants and their collaborators and believed they start organizing in France and Belgium. The people are also concerned into why the attacks took place. Given that ISIS had promised that the Paris attacks were the first of the downpour, it is essential to find out why is it happening in the first place and how best to find shelter.


OPINION: In my opinion, this news event deserves to be the front cover because it is absolutely necessary for people to understand the rationale behind the terrorism carried out so far by ISIS. I feel that a lot of people only know ISIS superficially, and that knowledge is simply not enough. We need the public to understand further in depth about the mindset of these terrorists, and this article can prepare us for that as we learn that none of us are truly safe from the merciless hands of… ISIS.

Paris Attack: What happened on the night

Article link: What happened on the night

Summary: On The night of Friday 13 of November, the people in Paris came under the attack from the terrorist group ISIS. Gunmen and suicide bombers hit a concert hall, a major stadium and bars almost simultaneously, leaving 130 dead and hundreds wounded. This left the people of Paris shaken and at the same time, infuriated.

Opinion: The reason why we chose the  Friday November 13 terrorist attack to become the front cover of the Times Magazine is due to the fact of its significance. It is evident that terrorism can occur anytime at anywhere, and there will be a need for everyone to always be on their toes so as to prevent anymore terrorist attacks from occurring. Attacks as such, are not only tragic but also strike fear in the hearts of the people. This is what the terrorist wants, but we cannot let it happen. We shall not cower in fear, and we shall not bow down to them. People must be mentally prepared and strong when fighting against terrorism. By making this news the cover, it serves as a reminder for us to unite as one, and together hand in hand, we shall put a stop to this madness.

8 Million Tons of Plastic Dumped in Ocean Every Year

Link to news: 8 Million Tons of Plastic Dumped in Ocean Every Year

Summary:

In 2010, eight million tons of plastic trash ended up in the ocean from coastal countries—far more than the total that has been measured floating on the surface in the ocean's "garbage patches."

Until now, most efforts to measure ocean debris have involved sample counts of plastic floating on the surface in large garbage patches in each of the world's oceans. A study last year, for example, estimated the amount of floating trash to be 245,000 tons at most.

Opinion:

In my opinion, people should not use so much plastic and be so wasteful. Upon reading this, I felt that this is truly bad news. We are creating too much waste and now the ocean is filled with plastics, described as 'five grocery bags of trash on every foot of coastline around the globe' due to our wastefulness. It greatly threatens marine life. The marine animals could mistake them as food, and they could die from choking on it. Marine species could go extinct due to our selfish actions. We might even end up eating plastics ourselves, because we eat the marine animals. 

Therefore, this should be on the front cover to raise awareness about the deteriorating state of the environment. It is important to raise awareness and for people to change their ways as it will affect the future, not just our own but as well as future generations. Thus, if this article is placed on the cover page, more people would read it and would be more aware of this situation and stop ruining the earth.