People are selfish. They want a huge fireworks display to celebrate the Lunar New Year even though it is illegal.

There are reasons unauthorised fireworks displays are banned, as the CCTV incident proved.

I hope the tragic death of that innocent fireman can teach people to live life less selfishly.

Leung Yuen-shan, STFA Tam Pak Yu College

Take a break from hi-tech gadgets

Modern technology has raised our living standards and brought many advantages, but we cannot ignore the problems it causes.

Today, people are so dependent on hi-tech gadgets they feel nervous when they cannot use them for just one day.

It would be very inconvenient if we could not use them at all. It's hard to imagine life without computers, mobile phones, MP3s and televisions.

But being addicted to these conveniences is not a good thing either.

We should try not to rely on them too much, and limit the amount of time we spend using them.

If we did this, we could spend more time with our parents and friends through face-to-face communication, which would improve our relationships.

We could also spend more time appreciating the great outdoors.

Spend a couple of days without your gadgets and get back to the simple life.

Becky Hui, Leung Shek Chee College

Putonghua holds the key to future

Putonghua is becoming more and more important. Hong Kong is a city based on commerce. Putonghua is essential to doing business, especially with the mainland.

The mainland is increasingly playing a leading role in the world's economy.

Not only we Hongkongers, but also millions of foreigners, are striving to learn Putonghua to work more closely with mainland businesses.

Like many other primary and secondary students, I have to study Putonghua. I am really interested in it.

I think if I can master it, I will have a bright future. 'Rome was not built in a day', as the saying goes, and I know I will have to work hard to be fluent in Putonghua.

I strongly believe good Putonghua is a 'must' for a better future.

Briston Wong Chun-fung, the Chinese Foundation Secondary School

Don't make me wait

I find waiting for people very annoying. I always try to be on time. In fact, I usually get to appointments 10 minutes early. Not everybody is like this. Some of my friends are always late.

I think being on time shows respect. I wish my friends could manage to be on time.

Lam Wing-sing, STFA Tam Pak Yu College

In crisis, an opportunity

Human beings may be the smartest creatures on the planet, but look at all the conflicts we have.

For decades, political conflicts have led to destruction of property and the loss of millions of lives.

Today, a global financial crisis threatens the entire economic order.

The United States and Europe have to turn to the mainland for help.

Perhaps this crisis will teach the world the importance of mutual help, and people will put away the guns.

Tommy Kwok, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen You Memorial College