# data[].attributes.body
There are several things I like and dislike about travelling on public transport. Firstly, its environment is comfortable. Commuters are provided with comfortable seats to sit while travelling and the air-conditioners cool the environment in the transport. This relieves me as the weather has been harsh recently. The comfortable environment eases me from the hot weather in Singapore. More importantly, the buses and mrt trains provide sufficent handles and poles to ensure a safe travel .
However, what i dislike about travelling on public transport is the waiting time. While Mrt's have a consistent waiting period, Buses do not. During non-peak hours, buses waiting time could last up to 20 minutes,  and commuters will be unable to reach their desired destination on time.  Based on personal experience, it has been very inconvenient for me to reach my desired destination.

# data[].attributes.headline
Some people think that we have too many shopping malls. What are your view?

# data[].attributes.subject
Some people think that we have too many shopping malls. What are your view?

# data[].attributes.body
I do agree that we have too many shopping malls. This is because around Singapore, we do see that crowds are getting smaller and smaller at shopping malls. Orchard Road, at its peak, attracted swathes of shoppers, to the extent that people were knocking shoulders on the road. However, such scenes are much harder to find in the present...

# data[].attributes.body
I think the juggler is probably just enjoying his time performing in front of an live audience. He could easily be at home doing his tricks and just showing them to his family but he chose to showcase his talents to the public. Hence, I think that he must be very passionate about what he is doing to be confident enough to perform in public. He might also hope to pique the interest of the audience, so that they can gain an interest in not just his juggling skills, but the culture of street performance.
As for the the audience, I think it might be the first time they see this kind of street performance and will be very interested in finding out more about it.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/ex/sustainablecitiescollective/top-10-benefits-public-transportation/1063096/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Author Christopher C Berggren UrbanImagist

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Top 10 Benefits of Public Transportation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Thursday, April 9 has been designated National Stand Up For Transportation Day. On this day, Americans will meet in communities across the country and online to press Congress to invest in long term transportation funding, especially public transit.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.cullessence.com/singing-birds-in-singapore/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
One of the benefits of living in a foreign country, rather than just visiting for a few days or weeks, is that you have the time to move beyond the tourist sites and experience what daily life is like for the locals. On this day, we were able to observe a deep-rooted local hobby enjoyed by a dwindling number of Singaporeans.

After a 30 minute ride on the MRT and a bit of walking through the town of Ang Mo Kio, we arrived at Ang Mo Kio Town Garden West, a green oasis in the midst of towering apartment buildings.

This is the gathering place of the Kebun Baru Bird Singing Club where club members bring their songbirds for training. This club was established in the 1980s and is run completely by volunteers.

Robin, the co-founder of the Club, greeted us as we walked up and told us about the club and the birds. He asked where we were from and how we liked Singapore. Although not a bird owner himself, he is passionate about the club and manages their Facebook page.

The club's gathering space is split into three areas, each serving as a training spot for a different species of bird. Some of the bird owners come every day from all parts of Singapore. Others come just on the weekends. The club also sponsors competitions where the birds are judged on pitch, consistency of melody and tone.

The first impression of the area is the hundreds of poles that are permanently placed in a field.

Bird keeping in Singapore grew in popularity in the 1950's with the formation of the Singapore Cage Bird Society. One of the most famous bird singing areas was in Tiong Bahru. The bird corner there was started in the 1960's by a local coffee shop owner as a way to encourage business. In the 1980's, the bird corner caught the attention of the media and travelers began making it a destination when visiting Singapore.

Red-whiskered bulbuls are hung together under a roof, providing a shady area. These birds love to jump as much as they love to sing!

You'll notice that all the cages in an area look alike. Robin said that was so it is easy to tell which birds were inside. Bird cages are hung among other birds of the same species so they can learn to sing by listening to and imitating the other birds. The bird cages are moved every once in a while so they can interact with and learn from many birds.

You could buy one of these birds at a pet shop but you wouldn't get any singing guarantees. Most of the birds here are specially bred and have been trained to sing. Of course, the better they sing, the more they cost.

The bird owners in the Kebun Baru Bird Singing Club are enthusiastic about their hobby, spending their days talking with other club members about their birds and just enjoying the company of others. They are very protective of their birds. One gentleman asking me to step back when I got too close.

Some worry that the bird singing hobby won't continue much longer as the younger generation does not show much interest in birding. There are a few other locations around Singapore where bird owners gather to provide company for their birds and each other. But as bird owners age, these spots slowly make way for skateboards and coffee spots.

How to get there: Take the MRT to the Ang Mo Kio station. From there, take a bus or walk to Ang Mo Kio Town Garden West. The best times to go are Saturday and Sunday morning from 9:30 am to noon.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Singing Birds in Singapore - Semi-Adventurous Living

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
One of the benefits of living in a foreign country, rather than just visiting for a few days or weeks, is that you have the time to move beyond the tourist sites and experience what daily life is like for the locals.

# data[].attributes.body
I disagree with that statement. Public performances bring many benefits to society, being an experience where performers can showcase their talents. The buskers themselves can refine their skills through performances and criticism, eventually being able to brighten people's lives through their performances. Furthermore, the basking scheme in Singapore enlivens city life and energises urban spaces. The scheme provides opportunities for individuals to share their creative expressions and interact with audiences in the public space. This can allow the public to enjoy music without the hassle of buying expensive tickets to watch performances at theatres

# data[].attributes.body
a) They feel at ease and content as it is an opportunity for people with the same interest to come together and bond. The songbird is a starter for conversations and friendships among their owners. Usually, the owners are quite old, and might have already retired. Displaying their songbirds among the neighbourhood increases their chance of acquainting with fellow owners and this becomes a past time or an enjoyable activity for relaxation.

b) Yes, I would like having a hobby like that as it allows me like-minded individuals. With our shared interest, it gives me the opportunity to forge new friendships.
I also have a liking towards cute animals and birds fall into that category. It would bring me much joy to be able to own and raise a feathered friend of my own.
OR
I do not think I would enjoy having a hobby like this one. Personally, I hate being in a noisy environment and having a hobby like keeping songbirds would be very irritating to me. With the cacophony of sounds and high pitch chirps, I'm pretty sure my eardrums would not appreciate that. I prefer do something that is quieter, perhaps having some alone time or me time would benefit me the most, such as reading. Reading appeals to me as I get to bask in my imagination of fictional characters, vivid scenes being recreated in my brain. Being alone with my own thoughts is the best for me.

c) I do think that it is important to preserve traditions and customs. It is important to preserve these traditions and customs as it allows us to be in touch with our roots. With the ever moving fast pace of society, people tend to lose track of the things that were once important to them. Gradually, we lose sense of where we came from, our roots, our origin. That is what moulds us into who we are now. So, we cannot forget about them. These traditional hobbies cultivates a lot of values that we see in our older generation, that are very much absent in our youngsters.  For an example, taking care of songbirds like shown in the video allows us to be more in touch with nature and also cultivates the value of care and responsibility in the owners. It is those times that brought people together, allowing us to form bonds with one another, making friends with like-minded people. It is those traditional hobbies that bring us together and make us one. Without these traditional hobbies, we lose ourselves in the bustling city life, forgetting ourselves in the midst of everything.

# data[].attributes.body
8 Things That are Great about Living in a City (forbes.com)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Living in a big city is an amazing experience. They are centers of civilization, each with unique and interesting features. Of course, certain benefits of city life are universal to all metropolitan centers. Here's a look at eight things that are great about living in a city :

1. Public Transportation

While public transit can be a pain (buy me dinner before you squish me into that other guy!), as a whole, it's pretty awesome. If the system in your city provides a lot of coverage, you really don't need to own a car-- that alone saves you tons of money every year.

Plus, you don't have to worry about who in your group of friends has to be the designated driver (the bus driver is!) and you can pop into other neighborhoods without running into rush hour highway traffic.

2. Dining Options are Endless

In many suburbs, your eating-out options are confined to chain restaurants and maybe a handful of mom-and-pop places, but most cities are populated with good eats. Within a few blocks of my apartment are Mexican food, pizza, Moroccan, American, and Thai restaurants. Were I to travel farther, I'd also hit a Michelin Star-awarded restaurant and tons of other cuisine-- and I can walk to all of them!

Having endless dining options means never getting bored of what you eat and always having a chance to try something new. The not-so-great part? I don't have the money to eat all of them whenever I want.

3. The Commute is Short

This one doesn't apply to everyone, but for those of us who work downtown, living in the city is essential. Traveling from the suburbs to a downtown office can take an hour or more, both ways! My commute from my apartment to my office is less than half of that.

That means I get to wake up later and take my time getting ready in the morning. What's more, because I take city public transit as opposed to a suburban train, I don't have to worry about schedule-- another train will come every seven minutes!

4. The Skyline is Stunning

If you live in a city, you may take your skyline for granted, but let me remind you how cool it is. Skyscrapers are amazing feats of engineering and a testament to humankind's progress. What's more, skylines offer an array of architectural styles, as cities certainly weren't built in a day. Why do you think so many postcards depict city skylines?

5. Social Clubs are Everywhere

Need to meet a friend or a potential romantic interest? Cities are a great place to do it! Many neighborhoods have local clubs where you can get to know like-minded people. From wine tastings at corner haunts to fitness groups, no matter your interests, you can find a social gathering where you'll connect with others while doing what you love!

Check community forums and sites like Meetup to find a group to join.

6. Entertainment Comes in a Lot of Forms

From live theater to museums to galleries to gardens and everything in between, cities are plain fun. And because they harbor diverse entertainment options, you can pay as much as you want. Locations range from totally free (parks) to pricey (multi-day concerts). You'll never be bored living in a city, and your social calendar will be full-- unless you need to relax in your PJs and watch Netflix, which is also a great form of entertainment.

7. They're Diverse

Cities are diverse in general, including in food, people, things to do-- you name it! Your neighbors likely all have interesting and unique backgrounds, and you can learn a ton by having conversations in the laundry room. My upstairs neighbor is a sheriff and he always has crazy stories to tell me.

I love living in a building where everyone is different, especially if they're willing to strike up a conversation. No two people in any city are the same.

8. They're Energetic

Cities buzz with energy . There are always people around doing something, and that can be exciting. However, some people may not like that kind of atmosphere. But for those of us who do, it makes leaving your apartment every day a joy.

Cities have tons of awesome features that make them a great place to live. What do you love about your city?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
8 Things That are Great about Living in a City

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Living in a big city is an amazing experience. They are centers of civilization, each with unique and interesting features. Of course, certain benefits of city life are universal to all metropolitan centers. Here's a look at eight things that are great about living in a city : 1.

# data[].attributes.body
Why cities are not as bad for you as you think - BBC Future

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why cities are not as bad for you as you think

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Contrary to popular belief, living in densely populated cities can offer many health benefits – even during a pandemic.

# data[].attributes.body
Around 2.5 billion more people will be living in cities by 2050, projects new UN report | United Nations

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
ERROR: The request could not be satisfied

# data[].attributes.body
8 ways Responsible Tourism benefits local communities — WTTC Travel Hub

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The money that tourists spend can be reinvested in local economies, from public services to education.
Did you know that for every $1 generated in direct Travel & Tourism GDP, more than $2 are generated on an indirect and/or induced basis Lots of jobs. Tourism is a sector that is all about people - and as such is an incredible driver of job creation from big cities to small local communities. Did you know that in 2019 the sector employed 1 in 10 people on the planet and it created 1 in 4 of all new jobs globally in the last 5 years
More creative and entrepreneurial. Did you know that 80% of the sector is composed of SMEs
Did you know that the tourism sector has almost twice as many women employers as other sectors and employs a higher share of youth than the overall economy More peaceful and more tolerant.
Tourism's positive ripple effect not only helps support local businesses but fosters entrepreneurship and new business ventures.
Did you know that countries that have more open and sustainable tourism sectors will likely enjoy higher levels of positive peace in the future Preserving heritage.
Tourism offers opportunities to people from all walks of life, supporting vulnerable groups, including minorities, youth and women among others.
Did you know that 40% of travellers identify as cultural tourists?
Tourism is a driver for peace. It helps promote tolerance between people as they learn and better understand each other's cultures.

Tourism can help protect and finance the preservation of historic and cultural sites, and even prompt the creation of new community initiatives.
Did you know that the total economic contribution of wildlife tourism amounted to $344 billion in 2018, equivalent to the entire GDP of South Africa or Hong Kong Fuelling the adoption of sustainable tech.
Preserving the wildlife we love.
Did you know that 66% of consumers are using less cash and moving toward more contactless solutions in the wake of COVID-19
Tourism can help protect and revitalise wildlife through preservation programmes against illegal poaching and creates conservation jobs

Tourism helps accelerate the integration of innovative technologies, which can facilitate your everyday activities while enhancing sustainability and creating more touchless experiences.

Written by Tiffany Misrahi, VP Policy and Ioanna Pampoulova, Membership & Commercial Assistant, World Travel & Tourism Council

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
8 ways Responsible Tourism benefits local communities - WTTC Travel Hub

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The money that tourists spend can be reinvested in local economies, from public services to education. Did you know that for every $1 generated in direct Travel & Tourism GDP, more than $2 are generated on an indirect and/or induced basis Lots of jobs.

# data[].attributes.body
Social impacts of tourism - Tourism Teacher

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Understanding the social impacts of tourism is vital to ensuring the sustainable management of the tourism industry. There are positive social impacts of tourism, demonstrating benefits to both the local community and the tourists. There are also negative social impacts of tourism.

In this article I will explain what the most common social impacts of tourism are and how these are best managed. At the end of the post I have also included a handy reading list for anybody studying travel and tourism or for those who are interested in learning more about travel and tourism management.

The social impacts of tourism

Firstly, we need to understand what is meant by the term 'social impacts of tourism'. I have covered this in my YouTube video below!

To put it simply, social impacts of tourism are;
"The effects on host communities of direct and indirect relations with tourists, and of interaction with the tourism industry"
This is also often referred to as socio-cultural impacts.

Tourism is, at its core, an interactive service. This means that host-guest interaction is inevitable. This can have significant social/socio-cultural impacts.

These social impacts can be seen as benefits or costs (good or bad). I will explain these below.

Positive social impacts of tourism

There are many social benefits of tourism, demonstrating positive social impacts. These might include; preserving the local culture and heritage; strengthening communities; provision of social services; commercialisation of culture and art; revitalisation of customs and art forms and the preservation of heritage.

Preserving Local Culture

It is the local culture that the tourists are often coming to visit.

Tourists visit Beijing to learn more about the Chinese Dynasties. Tourists visit Thailand to taste authentic Thai food. Tourists travel to Brazil to go to the Rio Carnival, to mention a few...

Many destinations will make a conserved effort to preserve and protect the local culture. This often contributes to the conservation and sustainable management of natural resources, the protection of local heritage, and a renaissance of indigenous cultures, cultural arts and crafts.

In one way, this is great! Cultures are preserved and protected and globalisation is limited. BUT, I can't help but wonder if this is always natural? We don't walk around in Victorian corsets or smoke pipes anymore...

Our social settings have changed immensely over the years. And this is a normal part of evolution! So is it right that we should try to preserve the culture of an area for the purposes of tourism? Or should we let them grow and change, just as we do? Something to ponder on I guess...

Strengthening Communities

Tourism can be a catalyst for strengthening a local community.

Events and festivals of which local residents have been the primary participants and spectators are often rejuvenated and developed in response to tourist interest. I certainly felt this was the way when I went to the Running of the Bulls festival in Pamplona, Spain. The community atmosphere and vibe were just fantastic!

The jobs created by tourism can also be a great boost for the local community. Aside from the economic impacts created by enhanced employment prospects, people with jobs are happier and more social than those without a disposable income.

Local people can also increase their influence on tourism development, as well as improve their job and earnings prospects, through tourism-related professional training and development of business and organisational skills.

Provision of Social Services

The tourism industry requires many facilities/ infrastructure to meet the needs of the tourist. This often means that many developments in an area as a result of tourism will be available for use by the locals also.

Local people often gained new roads, new sewage systems, new playgrounds, bus services etc as a result of tourism. This can provide a great boost to their quality of life and is a great example of a positive social impact of tourism.

Commercialisation of Culture and Art

Tourism can see rise to many commercial business, which can be a positive social impact of tourism. This helps to enhance the community spirit as people tend to have more disposable income as a result.

These businesses may also promote the local cultures and arts. Museums, shows and galleries are fantastic way to showcase the local customs and traditions of a destination. This can help to promote/ preserve local traditions.

Revitalisation of Culture and Art

Some destinations will encourage local cultures and arts to be revitalised. This may be in the form of museum exhibitions, in the way that restaurants and shops are decorated and in the entertainment on offer, for example.

This may help promote traditions that may have become distant.

Preservation of Heritage

Many tourists will visit the destination especially to see its local heritage. It is for this reason that many destinations will make every effort to preserve its heritage.

This could include putting restrictions in place or limiting tourist numbers, if necessary. This is often an example of careful tourism planning and sustainable tourism management.

This text by Hyung You Park explains the principles of heritage tourism in more detail.

Negativesocial impacts of tourism

Unfortunately, there are a large number of socio-cultural costs on the host communities. These negative social impacts include; social change; changing values; increased crime and gambling; changes in moral behaviour; changes in family structure and roles; problems with the tourist-host relationship and the destruction of heritage.

Social Change

Social change is basically referring to changes in the way that society acts or behaves. Unfortunately, there are many changes that come about as a result of tourism that are not desirable.

There are many examples throughout the world where local populations have changed because of tourism.

Perhaps they have changed the way that they speak or the way that they dress. Perhaps they have been introduced to alcohol through the tourism industry or they have become resentful of rich tourists and turned to crime. These are just a few examples of the negative social impacts of tourism.

Globalisation and the Destruction of Preservation and Heritage

Globalisation is the way in which the world is becoming increasingly connected. We are losing our individuality and gaining a sense of 'global being', whereby we are more and more alike than ever before.

Globalisation is inevitable in the tourism industry because of the interaction between tourists and hosts, which typically come from different geographic and cultural backgrounds. It is this interaction that encourage us to become more alike.

Here are some examples:

1. When I went on the Jungle Book tour on my travels through Goa, the tourists were giving the Goan children who lived in the area sweets. These children would never have eaten such sweets should they not have come into contact with the tourists.

2. When I travelled to The Gambia I met a local worker (known as a 'bumster') who was wearing a Manchester United football top. When I asked him about it he told me that he was given the top by a tourist who visited last year. If it was not for said tourist, he would not have this top.

3. In Thailand, many workers have exchanged their traditional work of plowing the fields to work in the cities, in the tourism industry. They have learnt to speak English and to eat Western food. If it were not for the tourists they would have a different line of work, they would not speak English and they would not choose to eat burger and chips for their dinner!

Many people believe globalisation to be a bad thing. BUT, there are also some positives. Think about this...

Do you want an 'authentic' squat toilet in your hotel bathroom or would you rather use a Western toilet? Are you happy to eat rice and curry for breakfast as the locals would do or do you want your cornflakes? Do you want to struggle to get by when you don't speak the local language or are you pleased to find somebody who speaks English?

When we travel, most tourists do want a sense of 'familiar'. And globalisation helps us to get that!

Loss of Authenticity

Along similar lines to globalisation is the loss of authenticity that often results from tourism.

Authenticity is essentially something that is original or unchanged. It is not fake or reproduced in any way.

The Western world believe that a tourist destination is no longer authentic when their cultural values and traditions change. But I would argue is this not natural? Is culture suppose to stay the same or it suppose to evolve throughout each generation?

Take a look at the likes of the long neck tribe in Thailand or the Maasai Tribe in Africa. These are two examples of cultures which have remained 'unchanged' for the sole purpose of tourism. They appear not to have changed the way that they dress, they way that they speak or the way that they act in generations, all for the purpose of tourism.

To me, however, this begs the question- is it actually authentic? In fact, is this not the exact example of what is not authentic? The rest of the world have modern electricity and iPhones, they watch TV and buy their clothes in the nearest shopping mall. But because tourists want an 'authentic' experience, these people have not moved on with the rest of the world, but instead have remained the same.

I think there is also an ethical discussion to be had here, but I'll leave that for another day...

You can learn more about what is authenticity in tourism here or see some examples of staged authenticity in this post.

Standardisation and Commercialisation

Similarly, destinations risk standardisation in the process of satisfying tourists' desires for familiar facilities and experiences.

While landscape, accommodation, food and drinks, etc., must meet the tourists' desire for the new and unfamiliar, they must at the same time not be too new or strange because few tourists are actually looking for completely new things (think again about the toilet example I have previously).

Tourists often look for recognisable facilities in an unfamiliar environment, like well-known fast-food restaurants and hotel chains. Tourist like some things to be standardised (the toilet, their breakfast, their drinks, the language spoken etc), but others to be different (dinner options, music, weather, tourist attractions etc).

Do we want everything to become 'standardised' though? I know I miss seeing the little independent shops that used to fill the high streets in the UK. Now it's all chains and multinational corporations. Sure, I like Starbucks (my mug collection is coming on quite nicely!), but I also love the way that there are no Starbucks in Italy. There's something great about trying out a traditional, yet unfamiliar coffee shop, or any independant place for that matter.

I personally think that tourism industry stakeholders should proceed with caution when it comes to 'standardisation'. Sure, give the tourists that sense of familiar that they are looking for. But don't dilute the culture and traditions of the destination that they are coming to visit, because if it feels too much like home..... well, maybe they will just stay at home next time? Just a little something to think about...

Culture clashes

On a less philosophical note, another of the negative social impacts of tourism is that it can have significant consequences is culture clashes.

Because tourism involves movement of people to different geographical locations cultural clashes can take place as a result of differences in cultures, ethnic and religious groups, values, lifestyles, languages and levels of prosperity.

The attitude of local residents towards tourism development may unfold through the stages of euphoria, where visitors are very welcome, through apathy, irritation and potentially antagonism when anti-tourist attitudes begin to grow among local people. This is represented in Doxey's Irritation Index, as shown below.

Tourist-host relationships

Culture clashes can also be exasperated by the fundamental differences in culture between the hosts and the tourists.

There is likely to be economic inequality between locals and tourists who are spending more than they usually do at home. This can cause resentment from the hosts towards the tourists, particularly when they see them wearing expensive jewellery or using plush cameras etc that they know they can't afford themselves.

Further to this, tourists often, out of ignorance or carelessness, fail to respect local customs and moral values.

Think about it. Is it right to go topless on a beach if within the local culture it is unacceptable to show even your shoulders?

There are many examples of ways that tourists offend the local population, often unintentionally. Did you know that you should never put your back to a Buddha? Or show the sole of your feet to a Thai person? Or show romantic affection in public in the Middle East?

A little education in this respect could go a long way, but unfortunately, many travellers are completely unaware of the negative social impacts that their actions may have.

Increase in crime, gambling and moral behaviour

The last of the social impacts of tourism that I will discuss is crime, gambling and moral behaviour. Crime rates typically increase with the growth and urbanisation of an area and the growth of mass tourism is often accompanied by increased crime.

The presence of a large number of tourists with a lot of money to spend and often carrying valuables such as cameras and jewellery increases the attraction for criminals and brings with it activities like robbery and drug dealing.

Although tourism is not the cause of sexual exploitation, it provides easy access to it e.g. prostitution and sex tourism. Therefore, tourism can contribute to rises in the numbers of sex workers in a given area. I have seen this myself in many places including The Gambia and Thailand.

Lastly, gambling is a common occurrence as a result of tourism. Growth of casinos and other gambling facilities can encourage not only the tourists to part with their cash, but also the local population.

Social impacts of tourism: Conclusion

As I have demonstrated in this post, there are many social impacts of tourism. Whilst some impacts are positive, most unfortunately are negative impacts.

Hopefully this post on the social impacts of tourism has helped you to think carefully about the impacts that your actions may have on the local community that you are visiting. I also hope that it has encouraged some deeper thinking with regards to issues such as globalisation, authenticity and standardisation.

If you are interested in learning more about topics such as this subscribe to my newsletter! I send out travel tips, discount coupons and some material designed to get you thinking about the wider impacts of the tourism industry (like this post)- perfect for any tourism student or keen traveller!

Social impacts of tourism- further reading

As you can see, the social impacts of tourism are an important consideration for all industry stakeholders. Do you have any comments on the social impacts of tourism? Leave your comments below.

If you enjoyed this article on the social impacts of tourism, I am sure that you will love these too-

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
13 Social Impacts Of Tourism + Explanations + Examples - Tourism Teacher

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A comprehensive post ouitlining the social impacts of tourism and how to ensure sustainable tourism management. Perfect for students and travellers alike.

# data[].attributes.body
An Introduction To The Busking Scene In Singapore (timeout.com)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
An Introduction To The Busking Scene In Singapore

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
With a guitar in their hands, the wind in their hair and a song on their lips, talented youngsters are taking the music to the street

# data[].attributes.body
Busking | National Arts Council (nac.gov.sg)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Following the resumption of busking, a busking e-service portal was launched on 29 March 2022 for buskers to enjoy greater access to locations and slots. Prior to this, each busker was assigned five fixed locations. The busking e-service was designed with inputs from buskers who had asked for access to more locations, greater flexibility to plan their schedules and confirmed spots to busk at. Additionally, buskers can book up to six one-hour slots per day which ensures a good mix of different buskers at each location, especially the more popular and high traffic ones.

The e-service provides a one-stop portal for:

Buskers to book busking slots where they can gain access to all 70 busking locations across the island and customise their own online profiles

Venue partners to manage their busking locations and learn more about the busking community

General public to find out where busking will be taking place and support their favourite buskers and busking groups easily

When to book/ballot

The following tables illustrate the schedule for the booking and balloting of busking slots.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Following the resumption of busking, a busking e-service portal was launched on 29 March 2022 for buskers to enjoy greater access to locations and slots. Prior to this, each busker was assigned five fixed locations. The busking e-service was designed with inputs from buskers who had asked for access to more locations, greater flexibility to plan their schedules and confirmed spots to busk at.

# data[].attributes.body
Shopping malls here are ‘too many, too similar’ - TODAY (todayonline.com)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
SINGAPORE - The Republic has "far too many" shopping malls that are too similar to one another, and this is unsustainable for the retail sector here, said the regional head of Al-Futtaim Group which manages brands such as Robinsons, John Little and Marks & Spencer.

The Dubai-based conglomerate, which hires more than 20,000 people across over a dozen countries, became the first major casualty of the manpower crunch in the retail sector, when it announced last week that it will close two John Little stores - in Marina Square and Tiong Bahru - and a Marks & Spencer outlet at Centrepoint in the months ahead.

Speaking to TODAY in an interview, Mr Kesri Kapur, Al-Futtaim's head of business in Asia, said: "I personally believe that Singapore is 'over-retail'. There are far too many stores, far too many malls in Singapore and not enough shoppers - and these are similar types of stores."

He added: "There is not enough differentiation in the stores. For such a small market, if it's to be viable in the longer-term and sustainable, there has to be some differentiation (among) the stores."

Al-Futtaim had said that the closures of its stores here would allow it to consolidate its resources. Mr Kapur said none of the affected employees will be laid off. Instead, they will be re-deployed to the remaining stores or given the option to take up other roles within the conglomerate.

Apart from the shortage of manpower, rising business costs here and changing consumer habits have also contributed to the company's decision to shutter the stores, Mr Kapur said. "Customers are going online as well for shopping, especially the younger ones. Consumers are also becoming more knowledgeable, they want to make decisions only after doing more research," he said.

He also noted that with more shopping malls sprouting up in the suburban areas, such as in Jurong East, Orchard Road has lost some of its allure as a major shopping belt here even as rentals continue to rise.

To better cope with the challenges in the retail scene here, the Al-Futtaim Group aims to improve its quality of service and widen its product offerings. Among other things, it plans to renovate some stores, including Robinsons Raffles City and the Marks & Spencer outlets at Paragon and Raffles City. A new Zara boutique at Changi Airport Terminal 3 will also be opened in May.

Earlier this month, Minister of State (Trade and Industry) Teo Ser Luck noted that Singapore lags behind the likes of South Korea, China and Japan when it comes to e-commerce, and said the Government has taken steps to give retailers a stronger push in this area.

Mr Kapur said his company is venturing into e-commerce, and by the end of this year, consumers could have the option of buying goods online from its stores . "It's not just a cost cutting exercise for us. Operational efficiency and customer engagement are important, but customer engagement happens when they see something new either in terms of distribution channel or the type of products that we're selling... it's our intention to make (it) as convenient as possible for the consumers," he said.

TOP SHOPPING DESTINATION NO MORE?

Mr Kapur also said the Republic is losing its lustre as the region's top shopping destination, with its position under threat from other Southeast Asian cities whose population and spending power are growing faster.

As a result, many major brands that used to be based here only have also set up shop in places such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta, he noted.

"In the past, availability of brands, flagship stores and products were more concentrated in Singapore. Now, if you want to access a top brand, you will be able to get it in the other areas also. There are world class malls in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta as well," Mr Kapur said.

He added that the manpower crunch and rising business costs, among other factors, have led to falling service standards - another area that Singapore is losing out to its regional competitors. Nevertheless, Mr Kapur said Singapore remains one of the better places to shop given its clean and safe environment. "It's also convenient and accessible, so Singapore still has some advantages... I believe the perception that Singapore is expensive will change in the minds of the consumers. That may be the reality when we had a stronger Singapore dollar, but now, the Singapore dollar is going down against the US dollar," he said.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Shopping malls here are 'too many, too similar'

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
SINGAPORE - The Republic has "far too many" shopping malls that are too similar to one another, and this is unsustainable for the retail sector here, said the regional head of Al-Futtaim Group which manages brands such as Robinsons, John Little and Marks & Spencer.

# data[].attributes.headline
Some people think that we have too many shopping malls.What is your view?

# data[].attributes.subject
Some people think that we have too many shopping malls.What is your view?

# data[].attributes.body
I do not agree with the statement.There may be too many shopping malls in Singapore. However, the more pressing  problem is the quality of Shopping Malls.Orchard Road,at its peak,had plenty of shopping malls,which still attracted large amount of shoppers.Despite the number of shopping malls during that time,there were still enough shoppers for all the malls.In the present time,however,the number of malls are still the same,but gone are those days of bustling streets and shoppers.This may be due to the rise of online shopping,shoppers rather go online rather than go to traditional malls.Moreover,shopping malls may not be as attractive to shoppers due to the lack of maintenance throughout the years.As we can see,the quality of the shopping malls are decreasing,which is a leading factor in discouraging the public to enter the malls.
Therefore,the real problem  is not that we have too many shopping malls,it is the problem of the quality of the malls dropping ,unable to fulfil the public's expectations.

On the other hand,I do agree with Singapore having too many shopping malls. This is due to the malls being too generic. When going to Orchard Road,one will be able to notice the strikingly similarity between the malls,it showcases that the malls cater to the same population ,without any visible differences between them.This will not encourage  shoppers to come as they will think of the malls as being all the same,thereby they will most likely choose not to go to those malls.Moreover,they have been an increase of specialised,impressive malls in the region,one example being Terminal 21 in bangkok,which provides a whole new experience for the people,therefore with comparison to terminal 21,Sg malls feel far more generic and bland.Therefore,i do agree that Sg has too many malls,leading to them being generic and similar.Hence,showcasing the effect of Sg having too many malls.

# data[].attributes.body
a) I think the people on the boat are there for vacation. The people on the boat seem like tourists enjoying the cool breeze on the boat and relaxing themselves. They seem to be enjoying their time together and talking to each other.

b) I would say tourist attractions such as Universal Studios Singapore and the Merlion Park would interest tourists in my city. Universal Studios is a world renowned theme park that offers a fun experience for all visitors. Tourists can bring their families to enjoy the various different rides and activities. The Merlion Park is an iconic landmark in Singapore. The Merlion is a mythical creature with a lion's head and a fish's body. It is a unique landmark and an interesting creature that represents Singapore and will attract many tourists to come and visit it.

c) Tourism affects the lives of local people as the locals have to accommodate the needs of the tourists. For example, locals may have to prepare their local food to fit the taste buds of tourists. Another example is in some countries where bulllock carts are used to transport supplies, they are now used to allow tourists to ride as a way to attract tourists to visit.

# data[].attributes.body
I disagree with that statement as I think that public performances helps people gain more knowledge about the certain art. Public performance also helps the performers bring in money so that they can support their own families, which will also improve the country's reputation and economy. Furthermore, performances help people destress. Since the performances are made public for people, it allows everyone to view it freely too.

# data[].attributes.body
(a) They feel at ease and content as it is an opportunity for people with the same interest to come together and bond. The songbird is a starter for conversations and friendships among their owners. Usually, the owners are quite old, and might have already retired. Displaying their songbirds among the neighbourhood increases their chance of acquainting with fellow owners and this becomes a past time or an enjoyable activity for relaxation.

(b) Personally, I wouldn't enjoy having a hobby like this. For me, a hobby is an activity that I can do to get away from my hectic life and to relax. Despite the songbird's melodious tune, I'd much rather enjoy an activity in peace and quiet. I'm also more of an introvert, so meeting new people is more of a torture than pleasure for me. For me, enjoyable activities are reading or watching shows or just daydreaming. All alone. I relish in some "me-time" as I have enough of social interactions in the day. So, such a hobby shown in the video does not interest me.

(c) I do think that it is important to preserve traditions and customs. Traditions and customs are part of culture; losing them, would mean losing part of the culture. Every culture has its own unique traditions and customs, and it is what differentiates people from different cultures. For people of the same culture, traditions and customs are what gives them a common identity and a special bond.

# data[].attributes.body
Yes, I would like to work in a shopping mall as it provides a festive atmosphere when working during the holidays. More often than not, most shopping malls require shops to change their appearance in order to fit the festive season and i think this would really intrigue me as i really enjoy the mood of festivities like christmas. With customers coming in happy with people they love to shop, it just feels wholesome. Also, I appreciate the working environment in a shopping mall. The area is usually air-conditioned and there are other ammenities for me to enjoy such as when I want to have lunch, I can have many options to settle my cravings.

# data[].attributes.body
I believe that it is a once-in-a-life time opportunity to perform in the street. Being a musician, I have always been passionate about performing. I had always dreamt of performing in a luxurious theatre like the Esplanade Concert Hall, so performing in the streets can act as a precursor to performing in a theatre. Performing up-close in front of strangers can seem daunting at first. However, the valuable experience that you gain can propel you into greater heights. One famous celebrity that started out busking was Ed Sheeran. He was only a young teenager when he started busking on the streets with his guitar. That was when he started gaining traction and is now someone that many people look up to. Being a great admirer of him, I hope to follow in his footsteps to become a full fledged performer.

# data[].attributes.body
I think the people in the video are feeling appreciated. The only reason I can identify for someone to actually willingly raise several feathery feacal producing machines is due to loneliness. Why else would one purposely spend hard earned money on buying an excessive amount of seed and corn to feed those little monsters. When people cannot get sufficient love, attention and appreciation, such desperate individuals consult this tried and tested method to obtain this love. The only creatures who are willing to love you, is the bird you own. Afterall, you bring the food.

# data[].attributes.headline
Pros and cons of competition in children

# data[].attributes.subject
Pros and cons of competition in children

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.ineos.com/inch-magazine/articles/issue-5/debate/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Is competition a good, or a bad, thing f or children? It's a subject that has divided opinion for years. Some argue that it encourages a child to excel in today's fiercely competitive world where we compete for everything be it a job, a partner or a house. Others say it can destroy self-esteem and lead to resentment. Whatever your view, the jury's still out. We sought a few words of wisdom from those who have had something to say on the subject ...

Bad:

Most of us were raised to believe that without competition we would all become fat, lazy, and mediocre. And I used to think that competition could be healthy and fun if we kept it in perspective. But there is no such thing as 'healthy' competition. In a competitive culture, a child is told that it isn't enough to be good. He must triumph over others. But the more he competes, the more he needs to compete to feel good about himself. But winning doesn't build character; it just lets a child gloat temporarily. By definition, not everyone can win a contest. If one child wins, another cannot. Competition leads children to envy winners, to dismiss losers. Co-operation, on the other hand, is marvelously successful at helping children to communicate effectively, to trust in others and to accept those who are different from themselves. Children feel better about themselves when they work with others instead of against them, and their self-esteem doesn't depend on winning a spelling test or a Little League game.
American Alfie Kohn, author of No Contest:The Case Against Competition

Good:

Our national preoccupation with 'safety first' and prevailing climate of risk aversion is creating a generation of children who are ill prepared for a world that requires risk taking on a daily basis. Competition teaches critical thinking, decision-making and problem solving. Without those skills countries can't compete in a global economy. Other proponents of competition in North America claim that competition enhances learning, physical fitness and deters juvenile delinquency.
Sir Digby Jones, former UK Government Minister of State for UK Trade & Investmen t

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Is competition a good, or a bad, thing f or children? It's a subject that has divided opinion for years.

# data[].attributes.body
b) I have been to Disneyland Hong Kong and in Tokyo, and its title as the happiest place on earth is well deserved. Upon arriving at Disneyland, i was filled with boundless expectations and i was not disappointed. There were many rides, a carousel just like in the video, and numerous rollercoasters that had my heart racing. As theme parks are, most of the rides are themed and it made me feel like i was on a different adventure when i was on each one. One of my personal favourites is the Splash Mountain where you go down a steep hill and get splashed with water, which had me completely drenched . I would love to revisit Disneyland again. Another theme park on my bucket list is Universal Studios Japan, home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Personally, I am a huge Harry Potter fan and cannot wait for the day i will be able to go there

# data[].attributes.body
3. i think playing for children today differs greatly from the past. in the past, playing meant board games, traditional games or even something as simple as going downstairs to the playgrounds. today, playing for children means online games such as 'roblox' and 'minecraft'. the advancing technology has greatly changed what playing means to children in the past and today. when i go out to shopping malls and eateries, i often see parents distracting their child with their phones and ipads instead of engaging them. in my opinion, children play enough but what they don't get enough is socialising and playing outside their digital gadgets. i believe that going out to play with your neighbours and friends plays an important role in shaping one's childhood. it can create memories for one, and also keeps them active and social as they grow up.

# data[].attributes.headline
(a) Why do you think the people in the video are having a massage?

# data[].attributes.subject
(a) Why do you think the people in the video are having a massage?

# data[].attributes.body
Most Singaporeans work desk-bound jobs from 9am in the morning to 5pm in the evening while typically only having a one hour break in between for them to move around, have a break, or go have lunch. The rest of the time, the are bound to their desks, sitting in their chairs. This results in the stiffening of their muscles as they do not move around much. With all these sores and stiff muscles, it is only natural that they take the time to enjoy a massage on the weekends. The time taken to enjoy a massage will not only allow them to relieve their sore muscles, it will also provide them with some time to relax and destress from their usually hectic and busy sechdules.

# data[].attributes.body
c) it is terribly important to preserve traditions and customs. though the progress made in Singapore is very important, old traditions and customs that helped build Singapore and made it what it is today should be respected and preserved. our technology obsessed generation is ignorant of the amount of happiness and entertainment these traditions have brought to the older generation. these traditions should be maintained or we will one day see elders in their 70s and 80s hooked on even more technologically advanced phones and blasting pop and rap music through the hallways. this will not be very ideal. also, these traditional hobbies,  cultivates a lot of values that we see in our older generation, that are very much absent in our youngsters. For an example, taking care of songbirds like shown in the video allows us to be more in touch with nature and also cultivates the value of care and responsibility in the owners.

# data[].attributes.headline
c. do you agree with the view that all children should be made to take part in competitions? Why or why not? 

# data[].attributes.subject
c. do you agree with the view that all children should be made to take part in competitions? Why or why not? 

# data[].attributes.body
I disagree with the view that all children should be made to participate in competitions. At the young ages, most children are still quite vulnerable to their emotions. They often lack the mental ability to overcome their feelings and pick themselves up from setbacks. Hence, for some kids, participating in competitions may provide them with opportunities to build up confidence and tenacity. Yet, for others, losing a race could potentially hurt their egos and discourage them from trying again out of embarrassment of failure. Thus, while i think that parents should encourage their kids to participate in competitions, the final decision should ultimately be up to the kids.

# data[].attributes.body
The juggler is busking in the joy of performing in front of an live audience and he is estatic to showcase his talents to the public. He must be very passionate about what he is doing to be confident enough to perform in public. He might hope to pique the interest of the audience, so that they might also be intrested in the street performance.
As for the the audience, it might be the first time they see this kind of street performance and will be very interested in finding out more about it.

# data[].attributes.body
Yes, I would like having a hobby like that as it allows me like-minded individuals. With our shared interest, it gives me the opportunity to forge new friendships.
I also have a liking towards cute animals and birds fall into that category. It would bring me much joy to be able to own and raise a feathered friend of my own.

On the given occasion I do lose interest in that hobby, I have a second hobby, eating. Fried chicken does taste pretty good. Kill two birds with one stone, literally.

# data[].attributes.headline
article with regards to why people like to take part in a race

# data[].attributes.subject
article with regards to why people like to take part in a race

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
My name is Tamar Barneis, a competitive athlete who has made a career in the field of endurance sports events production. Based on my experience, I have outlined in this article the main reasons why athletes choose to take part in races, with the hope that this would provide you with a clear guide on how to draw participants to join your race.

Over the past decade, there has been a remarkable world-wide increase of endurance sport events, some of them attracting thousands of runners, cyclists or swimmers of all levels to take part in a single race. In general, all types of endurance races are everywhere these days, and on any given weekend it's not difficult to find one to take part in. A quick search of the internet and you find a race in no time at all. But beyond the aspect of the physical challenge, these events provide participants many other attractive reasons for signing up and paying money to take part in them.

1. The More the Merrier - The Social Component of Racing

In my personal experience, one of the most appealing reasons for participating in sports events is the social component. Many people who engage in a healthy active life style, thrive on the social aspects these activities provide.

Groups and clubs offer people a social setting that helps motivate them to engage in a sport, and with others to set goals and to achieve them.
Similarly to this, races offer the unique experience of participating in large social gatherings.

Based on this, it is important to relate to the social component when promoting your race: publishing the number or participants; publishing personal stories of the different participants. All this helps to emphasize the fact that people from many different places and backgrounds, who share a single interest, will be racing in your event, engaging together in a fun, unifying physical challenge.

2. Keep it Original - The Excitement of the New and Original Races

Another great incentive for participating in races is the excitement of taking part in an original, unique, adventurous and mainly fun challenge. Over the past several years, we have witnessed the rise of a new trend of endurance races that fits under the categories of fun-runs and obstacle-races.
These types of races appeal not only to experienced athletes but also to new timers, many of them taking part in a race for the first time in their life.

So, if you are an event producer, considering opening a new race, I would recommend thinking of an original and exciting theme for the race, in order to help draw the participation to register.

3. Racing for a Cause - The Power of Giving to Others

Today, races also serve as a wonderful platform to attract attention for raising money for a special cause. Many people join races to raise money for charity, providing them with a feeling of satisfaction by helping others less fortunate than them. In this way they make the miles count toward something bigger then themselves.

It would definitely go a long way and attract a lot of attention to promote your race as one that will support such endeavors.

4. Sightseeing While Racing

Popular races amongst athletes are those that take place in unique and special locals. A big part of the excitement of joining these events is the chance to travel to new places and enjoy fresh landscapes for running, cycling or swimming.
I personally know of many people who even take the opportunity to bring their family along and continue travelling after the race.

So, when considering the local for your race, it is worth choosing a local where people will want to travel to. Do not be afraid to have a race in a remote and far-away place, as it may end up serving to your benefit.

5. King for a Day - Racing for Fame

However, the most powerful reason for wanting to participate in a certain sport event is the chance to achieve a moment of fame. The race itself is usually the highlight moment after a long tedious training period, which demands endless motivation and commitment.

The participants feel that the race is the ultimate place for proving their capabilities after all the hard preparations they have done. But proving it to themselves is not as exciting if there is no one to share it with...

So, if your race will offer the opportunities to strengthen the athlete's moment of glory, it will no doubt draw many participants.

In my experience there are two important things to help keep the participants' glory sensation:

A. Provide the audience with a clear and easy access to the route and finish line to allow cheering - there is an elated sensation when passing the cheering crowds and being greeted by the family and friends at the finish line, so make sure you do not deny them of this pleasure!

B. Making the moment of glory count even more are the photos - yes, the photos taken along the course and at the finish line, then virally shared on the social media are definitely one of the strongest reasons people enjoy these events; this is their way of proving to everyone they did it! No doubt the photographs are an integral part of any race as they capture the participants' most cherished memories, while the social media intensifies their moment of fame, allowing that moment and feeling to last much longer then the race itself.

I hope I have managed to concisely provide you with the key elements that affect athletes' state of mind when considering participating in certain races. It is safe to conclude that races of all sorts serve as a powerful tool to engage people in an exciting physical activity and if you know these key elements, you will be able to draw many participant to your race and make it a wonderful and memorable experience to all.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Top 5 Reasons for Athletes to Join Your Race - Pic2Go

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
My name is Tamar Barneis, a competitive athlete who has made a career in the field of endurance sports events production.

# data[].attributes.headline
b. Would you like to take part in a race? Why or why not?

# data[].attributes.subject
b. Would you like to take part in a race? Why or why not?

# data[].attributes.body
Yes it would be great to take part in a race. A few years ago, my school organised a school cross country race where it was mandatory for all students and even teachers to participate. Personally, I loved the experience of not only feeling more refreshed after running the long distance, I felt a great satisfaction being able to push myself through the tough and tiring process of the race. At the same time, many teachers and friends were there to cheer us on, keeping us motivated to continue on. Such interactions have also made us more bonded since we have something in common to talk about even in future conversations.

There are also many races that run for a cause. For example, the yellow ribbon run aims to create awareness of giving a second chance to ex-offenders and to generate acceptance of them in the community. Other than personal benefit, these kinds of races would also bring the community together, and also help out disadvantaged groups within the community. In my opinion, this is even more fulfilling being able to aid in creating awareness on various topics in society.

# data[].attributes.body
b) I do not think I would enjoy having a hobby like this one. Personally, I hate being in a noisy environment and having a hobby like keeping songbirds would be very irritating to me. With the cacophony of sounds and high pitch chirps, I'm pretty sure my eardrums would not appreciate that. I prefer do something that is quieter, perhaps having some alone time or me time would benefit me the most, such as reading. Reading appeals to me as I get to bask in my imagination of fictional characters, vivid scenes being recreated in my brain. Being alone with my own thoughts is the best for me. (haha i have no friends)

c) I do think that it is important to preserve traditions and customs. It is important to preserve these traditions and customs as it allows us to be in touch with our roots. With the ever moving fast pace of society, people tend to lose track of the things that were once important to them. Gradually, we lose sense of where we came from, our roots, our origin. That is what moulds us into who we are now. So, we cannot forget about them. As a Buddhist, I used to go to the temple on the first day of the lunar month, praying and having breakfast there. However, due to the pandemic that made us all wary of people and viruses, I could no longer visit the temple to do my prayers or gather together and eat. I missed those times. It is those times that brought people together, allowing us to form bonds with one another, making friends with like-minded people. It is those traditions that bring us together and make us one. Without these traditions, we lose ourselves in the bustling city life, forgetting ourselves in the midst of everything.

# data[].attributes.headline
c) Do you think it's important to preserve traditions and customs? Why or why not?

# data[].attributes.subject
c) Do you think it's important to preserve traditions and customs? Why or why not?

# data[].attributes.body
I believe it is important to preserve traditions and customs as it brings colour to people's culture. It makes one's culture unqiue and allows people to have a sense of belonging within the community of that culture.
Traditions can also spice up peoples' lives and helps to create positive memories. Such bonding experiences with friends and family are rarely available due to the hustle and bustle of modern society.

# data[].attributes.body
a) i think that there is a feeling of bliss in the atmosphere. they are gathered with their friends and chat happily while showing off their songbirds.

# data[].attributes.body
Theme: Sports, Teamwork & Volunteering
Video: A team pulling on the rope during a tug-of-war competition. Loud cheers can be heard in the audio.

1. What do you think the people in the video might be feeling about the activity?
2. Do you like taking part in team sports? Why, or why not?
3. Why do you think people choose to volunteer in their communities?

# data[].attributes.body
Theme: Food + Traditions
Video: A man selling some kind of local baked goods along a busy street in an Eastern European country.

1. Would you like to work at a stall like the one in the video?
2. What kind of food is most popular with you and your friends, and why?
3. Some people think that keeping up traditions is important. What is your opinion?

# data[].attributes.body
a) Like how people used to sing romantic songs as a form of courtship in the past, songbird displaying is a form of courtship as well! Though in a less romantic way and more platonic. So, the people in the video are probably excited for a potential mate to show itself. The more fanciful their birds are, the more likely someone will take an interest in it and strike up a conversation with its owner. In this way, these songbird-owning people can seek out new friends and others with the same hobbies.

b) no, although such hobbies are a great way to branch out to new friends, it is precisely why I would not like it. Like the people in the video, putting oneself out there in the world by showcasing a hobby of yours is a fantastic conversation starter. People with a similar hobby or others who are interested can engage. This sounds like a great thing in concept, however, I have the social skills of a doorknob and find interacting with new people not all that fun of an experience. I would much rather rot at home and find other hobbies that don't require social interaction.

c) yes it is important to preserve traditions and customs like this one. Such traditions are our roots, the things that define who we are and who our forefathers used to be. It is with these traditions that we can carve out our place in the world. Of course, as the times change, so do traditions and customs. And some do in fact, need to be changed. Like hey, if i was born a couple hundred years back or so, I probably would have been killed at birth so. The non-harmful ones however, need to be preserved as they are our last link to the generations that came before us.

# data[].attributes.body
Theme: Lifestyle
Video: someone making finishing touches when decorating the new place she is moving into
1. How do you think this person is feeling about moving to a new place to live?
2. What do you think is good or badabout the area you live in? Why?
3. Is it better to live in one place for a long time or in several different places? Why?

# data[].attributes.body
a)They feel relaxed and free as they talk to their friends about their songbirds and share about how good their songbirds are. They could also be sharing about what had happened in their lives recently

b) I personally would not enjoy a hobby like this one as I find it annoying and also boring. This is because my father owns songbirds and unlike him, I find the birds calls very painful and annoying rather than being melodic. Even when I'm doing work, the birds are always chirping leaving me with no quiet time to myself. Not to mention that if I go close t the birds or when I tell the bird to keep quiet, I get scolded by my dad so me no likey. :( When I was younger, I would sometimes follow my father to the void decks where they display their songbirds but even now when I think back about it, it still feels boring.

c)I think it's important to preserve traditions and customs as these traditions and customs are part of our history. Once these traditions and customs are gone, a part of our history will be lost, and to some people, it would be a pert of them gone as well.

# data[].attributes.body
Theme: Music
Video: A group of drummers busking along Orchard Road
1. Would you like to play the drums like the people in the video? Why, or why not?
2. What type of music do you and your friends enjoy, and why?
3. Some people say that listening to music is a waste of valuable free time. What is your opinion?

# data[].attributes.body
Theme: Lifestyle
Video: crowds of people using the busiest traffic crossing in the world in Tokyo, Japan
1. How do you think the driver of the car at the end of the video is feeling?
2. Tell me about a time when you were part of a big crowd or in a very crowded place.
3. What do you think are the main advantages & disadvantages of living in cities?

# data[].attributes.body
Video: people on a boat
1. Why do you think the people in the video are on the boat?
2. Tell me about some other activities which would interest tourists in your city.
3. How does tourism affect the lives of local people?

# data[].attributes.headline
a. How do you think the people in the video are feeling about the race?

# data[].attributes.subject
a. How do you think the people in the video are feeling about the race?

# data[].attributes.body
A mix of excitement and anxiousness. For those who are competing for the first time, they would definitely feel the excitement of gaining a new experience, but competing with the other professional or experienced competitors also gives them some stresses to fight for the top spots.

In races that are organised to aid in support for the less fortunate, the anxiety would definitely be decreased greatly as participating in the race itself is what that matters to achieve the ultimate goal of creating awareness for a specific topic or a disadvantaged group. Those who are participating in the event with their families would feel even more elated to be running for the good of society with their loved ones.

# data[].attributes.body
a) Very annoyed due to the long waiting time, I am a very impatient person and is constantly rushing to a location. It is also very stuffy due to the large amount of people, there is nothing i can do while waiting in the queue other than to wait for time to pass

c) I agree to a certain extent. First of all, i agree as the earth is at risk of global warming. When people use public transport, this will reduce the amount of carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emitted. It also reduces pollution as there will be no cars on the road to release toxic fumes, and these roads can be converted into land that could be use for other purposes such as housing.
However, i disagree! During emergencies, there is no clear priority for those who need help as public transport is a shared facility for everybody to use. It will also be way more crowded in public transport and people cannot reach to their destinations on time.

# data[].attributes.body
2. my favourite game when i was younger is 5 stones. the thrill of this game was to test your reaction time and speed in throwing and catching the 5 stones. together with my friends, we often have competitions and the loser usually does a forfeit. forfeits were usually the funny 'chicken dance' or buying drinks for everyone. my fondest memory of this game was pestering my grandfather before he went for work in the morning to play 5 stones with me. he deliberately lost so that i wouldnt need to do a forfeit. he ended up doing the chicken dance and that has been in my memories ever since.

# data[].attributes.body
a) I feel that some of the runners are feeling very exhausted because the race or running in general is tiring. This is because running requires a good stamina and a race needs the runners to have perseverance and speed. Some of the runners may also be enthusiastic while running because they enjoy the sport and love the thrill of being in a race or competition against others. Some may also find it stress-relieving as it can free up their minds temporarily.

b) The National School Games (NSG). It takes place annually and involves students from sports CCAs, competing with other schools. For example, I represented my school in badminton and achieved second place. I feel stressed when I play, with the numerous number of people spectating as we play, which gives us immense pressure to win. However through daily training sessions, I have learnt to overcome the stress that comes with the sport and the competition aspect of it. When I won, I felt a sense of achievement because my hard work has paid off. When I lost a match, I did not give up easily and continued to work harder for the subsequent matches with the help of my teammates.

c) I agree because I will feel the need to surpass the participants I am going against and push myself further in order to reach my goals. However I also disagree because I feel that the support from the people around them is a bigger factor to achieve great things as compared to competing with one another. For instance when I am in a badminton match with my opponent, I anticipate the cheering and support from my teammates rather than focusing on the idea of winning.

# data[].attributes.body
a) i think the children in the video are feeling ecstatic. there is a child riding one of the horses in the carousel and he is beaming from ear to ear, which would suggest that he is having the time of his life. there is also a girl riding a dragon and laughing very loudly frs. i think the reason why the children feel this way is because of the bright and vibrant colours of the carousel which put in them in a jovial mood, and the rotating nature of the ride also makes them feel like they are riding actual animals

# data[].attributes.body
c)
I agree to a large extent that you don't have to spend money to have a good time. Based on my experience, being in the company of friends and family can add enjoyment to my life. For example, my family and I would arrange game nights or family picnics. Or my friends and I would plan sleepovers at each other's house during the holidays. Sometimes we do not need to splurge on extravagant outings to enjoy ourselves; even the simplest activities we create can give us fun and enjoyment.
Despite the well-known and widely accepted notion that "Money can't buy happiness.", some may argue that going on a materialistic lifestyle can bring joy to some. Such as how some find pleasure in going on luxurious cruise trips or lavish themselves with a shopping spree. However, these materialistic doings are often short-term enjoyment and are not enough to truly achieve having a genuinely good time. Hence, I agree to a large extent that you don't have to spend money to have a good time.