GP blog

2008-09-29T19:37:00.001+08:00

“What is important is not winning, but taking part”. How realistic is this attitude in the world of sport today?

In the world of sports today, it is not only about taking challenge. Sports were supposedly to be a physical challenge between people in games. However, it seems that winning is important if the athlete is taking part in competitions in the world of sport today. This is due to the extra incentives an athlete could gain if he wins. This is especially so since the world of sports has been over- commercialised. Hence, the attitude of “winning is not important, but taking part of it” is not realistic in the world of sports today as there are certain objectives that a sportsman would want to achieve at the end of competition.

Winning is important in the world of sports today because there are many rewards which the winner could gain. Sportsmen who are taking part in the competition are promised with numerous cash rewards and medals if they win a game. Hence, this drives sportsmen to strive to win the games as getting the rewards are important to them. By winning the game, the sportsmen would also be given media attention and they would be popular sportsmen in the public eye. As a result, many of them resort to doping to boost their skills or stamina to help them win the game. For instance, Marion Jones, a tracker, was found gulity in doping cases to win various games. She expressed her greatest regret to resort to using perforamce-enhacement drugs to win the titles. This indicates the importance of winning to sportmen when they are taking part. Perhaps, this could be due to the high expectations they have set for themselves or even due to the greed of rewards. Therefore, this shows the attitude of winning is not important in the world of sport today is unrealistic as taking part without winning would not bring any economic benefits to the sportsmen.(yes also add how gold medalists from the last Olympics are millionaires. winning=$)

Similarly, winning is ultimately important in the commercialised world of sports today. In professional sport, sponsorship means that big prize money can be paid and events can be organised on a very large scale without the spectators having to pay huge admission prices. On the other hand, companies who put money into sponsorship will have their names brought attention to the public to get publicised through the winning team by media. Nonetheless, sports teams definitely have to win first before this mutual symbiotic relationship steps in. For instance, Phonak, the world’s largest makers of high-tech hearing-aids decided to pull out the sponsorship contract when the Phonak team led by American Floyd Landis, the surprise winner of this year’s Tour de France was subsequently tested positive for the male sex hormone testosterone in 2006. This shows that no company would want to sponsor a bad-image or losing teams. This clearly shows the realistic attitude in the world of sport today where money is extremely closely related. Furthermore, it would be wastage of resources if a sport team keeps losing-especially if the team has received a huge sum of sponsorship. In this case, taking part without winning might be seen as a disgrace. As a result, the importance of winning in the world of sport today is practically realistic.

However, there are sportsmen who still value the fundamental purpose of games in sports too. Sportsmanship is an attitude that strives for fair play, and grace in losing. This expresses an aspiration or ethos that the activity will be enjoyed for its own sake. It is not that you have won or lost but how you played the game. It is the process of taking part that is important in sports. Not only the sportsmen will get to enjoy the process, sportsmen who take part in competition will get to experience and learn more about the sport they play. This is evident in the Beijing Olympics 2008 where Shawn Johnson (age 16) and Nastia Liukin (age 18) openly cheering for each other when a strong performance from one would knock the other from gold medal status. Also, Liukin expressed that it was a great opportunity for her to explore the depth of gymnastics. This shows that the attitude of importance of taking part is more realistic in this case. Perhaps, winning is not important for sportsmen who do not only aim for the rewards but learning experience. Most probably, this attitude is more realistic for most young or amateur sportsmen.Therefore, the notion of taking part in competition is more important than winning is still realistic in the world of sport today.

Conversely, both taking part and winning are equally important for some sportsmen. This is especially so if the sportsmen is representing a small country of his homeland in a large-scale competition event in the world. Firstly, by taking part in an international sport event, sportsmen who represent their countries will show the country’s active participation in the world events even if the country is small or probably often neglected. √However, if they further win the games, the countries represented would be given much attention for the achievements they have accomplished. This, in turn, leads to voices from small countries could be heard and brought attention to the world as well. For instance, the participation and achievements from small counties like Singapore are important. Kenenisa Bekele, an athlete from Ethiopia, was very proud to win the gold medal in the 5000m race in Beijing Olympics 2008. National Pride was often instilled in the sportsmen especially when they could see the flag of their countries represented were being raised up high in the event. This indicates taking part in competition is insufficient without the glory of winning that comes together to leave a deep impression of a country in the world. Although I reckon that it is impossible to award every country to be the winner, I think seeing the importance of both taking part and winning should be the realistic attitude in the world of sport today for countries who wish to be heard in the world.

In conclusion, I feel that the importance of winning is often closely related to cash benefits and popularity that a sportsman aims. On the other hand, the importance of taking part is often closely related to the personal experience that a sportsman hopes for. As a result, the relative importance between winning and taking part is subjective as different sportsmen would have different expectations and goals for their own. Generally, the business of sport has been spread widely across the world through media. Therefore, a widespread of commercialized sport today would most probably outweigh the spirit of just taking part of it. This shows that the attitude of “winning is not important, but taking part of it” is not realistic in the world of sport today.

2008-08-26T18:24:00.001+08:00

President Hu holds South Korea summit in aftermath of Olympics

SEOUL: The leaders of China and South Korea agreed on Monday to strengthen trade, diplomatic and cultural exchanges during a summit marked by mutual compliments over the Beijing Olympics.

Seoul presidential officials had said Lee was expected to seek China's help in easing tense inter-Korean relations. China, a longstanding ally of the North and a crucial donor of food and fuel, is of the few nations with some influence on its hardline communist regime.

2008-08-06T21:49:00.003+08:00

US threatens Iran with punitive measures

The United States and its allies will push for "punitive" measures against Tehran due to its weak response to the international offer to persuade it to freeze its nuclear program, White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said Wednesday.

"In the absence to a positive response to the generous offer that we provided for our incentives package, we think that the allies will have no choice but to take further measures that would be punitive, given that we don't have a decent and responsive statement from the Iranians," said Perino.

The United States said Iran is a weapons proliferation threat, while Iran insists that its nuclear research is for peaceful purposes.

In seeking new UN sanctions, Washington is assured the support of Britain and France, both of which have used stronger language in dealing with Iran. The position of the other three ( China, Russia& Germany) is unclear. Russia and China, two of Iran's biggest trading partners, are usually reticent in adopting sanctions.

2008-08-06T20:58:00.005+08:00

Technology

Technology has made our lives easier, but it has also created new vulnerabilities!
While the accessibility of Internet is to help people to make transactions faster in the borderless world, the accesibility of it has proved that it has vulnerabilities too. Cyber-crimes such as identity theft cases have been growing up rapidly. For instance, In United States, It alleges that the conspirators obtained the credit and debit card numbers by "wardriving" and hacking into the wireless computer networks of major retailers, including TJX Companies, BJ's Wholesale Club, OfficeMax, Boston Market, Barnes & Noble, Sports Authority, Forever 21 and DSW. Once inside the networks, they installed "sniffer" programs that captured card numbers, as well as password and account information. This shows that our information is easily being hacked through the internet networks. Thus, this makes people to feel threatened as their personal information is so easily being disclosed without their permission. Moreover, the convenience of transferring fund through internet might lead to the increasing feeling of distrust when they are making online transactions. Ultimately, this will affect many business deals done in the cyber-world. Hence, this case clearly shows how strokes on a keyboard with a criminal purpose can have costly results. Consumers, companies and governments from around the world must further develop ways to protect our sensitive personal and business information.

2008-08-04T21:26:00.002+08:00

Condolezza Rice

- 66th United States Secretary of States.
- She pioneered a policy of Transformational Diplomacy, with a focus on democracy in the greater Middle East.
- Rice worked with other leaders at the United Nations to pass UN Security Council Resolution 1701 on August 11, 2006, which sought to resolve the crisis which imposed the ceasefire on the 2006 Israel-Lebanon Conflict.
-Rice restructured US foreign assistance, naming Randall L. Tobias, an AIDS relief expert to focus foreign assistance efforts and de-fragmenting the disparate aid offices to improve effectiveness and efficiency.

2008-08-02T00:11:00.002+08:00

WORST DICTATOR IN 2007

Robert Mugabe
Zimbabwe.
Age 82.
In power since 1980.

-Robert Mugabe once was hailed as a symbol of the new Africa, but under his rule the health and well-being of his people have dropped dramatically, which is as much an abuse of human rights as arbitrary arrest and torture.

-According to the World Health Organization, Zimbabwe has the world’s shortest life expectancy—37 years for men and 34 for women.

-It also has the greatest percentage of orphans (about 25%, says UNICEF) & worst annual inflation rate (1,281% as of last month).

He last allowed an election in 2002 but “won” only after having his leading opponent arrested for treason.

Situation in Zimbabwe

Four and a half months have passed since the people of Zimbabwe voted for Morgan Tsvangirai and the Movement for Democratic Change on 29 March. Hyperinflation has exploded to an unimaginable 40,000,000%, and millions now face starvation.

The EU, US, and UK have pledged a $1.9bn financial aid package to stabilise Zimbabwe's economy, feed the hungry and combat hyperinflation -- but only if Mugabe is removed.

Meanwhile, distribution of food aid by local and international humanitarian agencies has been prohibited by Mugabe's government. Torture camps remain in operation, political violence continues in some rural provinces, and 12 opposition MPs languish in jail on trumped-up charges. The Mbeki-led talks are collapsing, as Mugabe and his military high command insist on retaining control.

2008-07-11T23:28:00.000+08:00

11) Sportsmen are not born, they are trained. Discuss.

Sport has been a popular activity since it was introduced in the centuries ago. Many people were interested in taking part of them either as recreational purposes or personal challenge. Some people, by nature, are born with innate ability and certain physical features to play sports well. However, there are others, by nurture, are trained through either physical training or with the help of technology of sports to help themselves to achieve better performance. Nevertheless, the issue of whether sportsmen are born or trained remains controversial. In my view, outstanding sportsmen in professional sports are both born and trained as the combination of the nature and nurture will help them to achieve the best performance they can be.

In the sports world, where competition are held to recognise who are the most outstanding sportsmen, people may be willing to spend most of their time to go through intensive physical training since young. Many amateur athletes pick up sports skills from young, go through tough training by pushing their bodies to adapt the requirement of the performance standard. Slowly, by repetitions of actions and training overtime will help the sportsmen to master the skills. One example would be the Russian gymnasts are trained for 30 years of brutal and cruel training, Bela Karolvi and wife Martha got the deserved recognition: “The Platinum Cactus Award” in 2007. The amount of hard work and training they have put in certainly help them to achieve the title. This shows that sportsmen are trained to achieve excellence results even though they do not possess the innate ability.

Correspondingly, with the advent of technology, performance of sportsmen can be enhanced through various means. In this win-at all-cost age of sports, sportsmen are exploring crude forms of genetic engineering to build muscles and improve stamina. One of the fastest ways to achieve them is through doping. Drug enhancements are well-known for its effectiveness in improving the performance by altering their hormones. This ensures their bodies are working at the optimal conditions. Marion Jones is one example who has made use of drug to achieve her gold medals in various competitions. However, it was all stripped off from her when she was found out to have positive test for steroid. As such, sportsmen are trained through unscrupulous means to get the title, not by their own talents.

However, the nature side of human beings cannot be ignored. Some sports require certain age, weight and size to excel in performance. Our body builds play an important role in what kind of sports we play. From stamina, agility to flexibility, they are all affected by our hormones, lung capacity or even bone structure. Research from Loughborough University has proved - size and age really do matter when it comes to doing well at sport.An analysis of 348 Premiership footballers shows that majority were born between September and November while only a handful were born between June and August.One of the famous gymnasts from China, Cheng Fei, are worried about her increasing size and weight would affect her performance in the next Olympics. This clearly shows that the nature of the physical bodies is crucial in their performance, in which it is not attainable through intensive training. Therefore, sportsmen are born.

Admittedly, some sportsmen are born with their innate ability to play the sports well. They have been well known to be able to grasp the skills and started to play the sports at very young age. Many ordinary young children may not be able to pick up the skills as well as those who are born to be sportsmen. For instance, Tiger Woods, a famous golfer, began to play golf at the age of 2. At age three, he shot a 48 over nine holes at the Navy Golf Club in California, and at age five, he appeared in Golf Digest. With the innate ability that they possess, they are exceptionally better compare to others who put the same amount of effort and trainings. This is due to the nature side of them to be able to play the sports better than others. Undoubtedly, with the help of training, their talents are further developed and strengthened so as to stretch themselves to the fullest potential. Hence, sportsmen who are both born and trained are usually able to achieve better results than the average person who undergoes the same training.

In conclusion, training plays an important role in sportsmen so that they are able to improve or even maintain their performance. Nevertheless, sportsmen are best equipped with talents and training to achieve their maximum potential. This is because sportsmen who are born but without undergo any training will not achieve the same excellence results compared to those who undergo training. Ultimately, sportsmen who are born with talents as well as passion and motivation to conquer the field will be the outstanding one.

2008-07-10T20:53:00.000+08:00

North Korea returns to nuclear disarmament talks

The United States responded to the nuclear declaration by easing some trade sanctions and beginning the process of taking the North off its list of state sponsors of terrorism.

South Korean and US officials said one main focus this week would be working out how to verify the atomic declaration, while the North has signalled it wants to be fully rewarded for its latest steps towards disarmament.

The declaration was a key part of the so-called "second phase" of the agreement, with the first phase seeing North Korea shut down its main plutonium-producing reactor at Yongbyon in July last year. It then began disabling the plant under the supervision of US inspectors in November, and last month blew up the cooling tower at Yongbyon in a gesture intended to demonstrate its commitment to disarmament.

The Yongbyon plant was the source of the material the North used to conduct its first atomic test in 2006.

However the North's declaration only covered its nuclear facilities and the production of the plutonium, not its weapons or a suspected programme involving highly enriched uranium that can also be used to make bombs.

A North Korean foreign ministry spokesman said on July 4 that while 80 per cent of the Yongbyon facility had been disabled, only 40 per cent of the promised energy aid had been delivered.

The third and final phase of the disarmament deal calls for the North to permanently dismantle its atomic plants and hand over all nuclear material and weaponry. In return, it would receive wide-ranging energy aid benefits, as well as a restoration of diplomatic ties with the United States and Japan. - AFP/ir

2008-07-04T20:49:00.000+08:00

11． Sportsmen are not born, they are trained. Discuss.

Define:
Born-with the innate ability, talent
Trained-Instilled with the help of others, genetic engineering (doping), commercial
sportsmen (image sold by media)

Yes (trained)

1)Intensive training since young age.

§ Today's world-class athletes are already possessing superior native abilities that they hone through training.
§ Skills are being instilled through repetition actions, turning them into a “habit”.
§ Example: 30 years after introducing the most cruel, brutal and abusive, Soviet-inspired gymnastics training system in Romania, Bela Karolyi and wife Martha got the "deserved" recognition: "The Platinum Cactus Award"
§ Sportsmen are trained through tough training to excel.

2. Trained through genetic engineering (Doping).

§ To enhance their performance, sportsmen use specific methods which optimize the qualities needed for their sport, on the basis of various physiological, biological, and psychological factors.
§ Through doping, it helps athletes recover their physiological and biological balance.
§ Trained up to their “maximum” ability through doping.
§ Example: Ouyang Kunpeng, China’s top backstroke specialist has been banned for life after testing positive for clenbuterol, the anabolic steroid, on May 1 2008.

No, Born

1. Born with the innate ability and passion for the sports.

-Sportsmen are born with the innate ability and passion in order to be able to perform well for the sports they take up.
-They are born with it such that they can start performing in the sports at young age without the help of others.
-Example: Tiger woods (Eldrick Tont Woods)-Child prodigy who began to play golf at the age of two.-At age three, he shot a 48 over nine holes at the Navy Golf Club in California, and at age five, he appeared in Golf Digest and on ABC's ;That's Incredible. Sportsmen are born with the talent and ability, which are further strengthened through training.

2. Sportsmen are born because the ability of their performances in the sport is based on age, weight and size.

To do well in sports, it requires certain body builds for certain sports. (Like flexibility in gymnastics)
Example: Research from Loughborough University has proved - size and age really do matter when it comes to doing well at sport.
An analysis of 348 Premiership footballers shows that majority were born between September and November while only a handful were born between June and August.
Younger age and certain body builds are favorable in sports.

Conclusion:
Sportsmen are trained to a certain extent.
Exceptional athletes are built, not born.
Training would develop the skills and the abilities of the sportsmen. No doubt that innate abilities passion are important, and that one is born with them, not trained, but in order to go to a higher level, training is crucial. Training would allow the ones with potential and abilities to excel. Hence to a greater extent, sportsmen are trained not born.

2008-07-01T18:55:00.000+08:00

Strict Measures on Organ Trading in Singapore

Doctors say strict measures are in place to prevent people from donating organs for money.

Getting to the operating theatre for a kidney transplant can take up to three months of checks when a living donor is involved.

At the National University Hospital (NUH), donors go for repeated interviews, medical checks and psychiatric assessments to ensure they are aware of the risks and are donating for altruistic (charitable) reasons.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan, MOH, also acknowledged that organ trading is a global phenomenon but said that except for Iran, most countries have largely banned the illegal trade. - CNA/ir

2008-03-28T12:41:00.000+08:00

Globalisation

The term often refers to the growing integration of economies and societies around the world.

Although the contemporary debate on globalization has been contentious,it has not always been useful. No one doubts that somevery significant global processes—economic, social, cultural, politicaland environmental—are underway and that they affect (nearly) everyone and (nearly) everything. Yet, there is no agreement on exactly how to define this thing we call “globalization,” nor on exactly which parts of it are good or bad, and for whom. For the most part, a polarized view of globalization, its potential and its pitfalls has taken hold of the public imagination. It has often been projected either as a panacea for all the ills of the world or as their primary cause.

Impacts on:

Political Relations

Globalization constrains states: free trade limits the ability of states to set policy and protect domestic companies; capital mobility makes generous welfare states less competitive; global problems exceed the grasp of any individual state; and global norms and institutions become more powerful.

Culture

FOR

-It leads to cultural homogeneity: interaction and integration diminish difference; global norms, ideas or practices overtake local mores; many cultural flows, such as the provision of news, reflect exclusively Western interests and control; and the cultural imperialism of the United States leads to the global spread of American symbols and popular culture .

-Cheerleaders consider the decline of cultural distinctions as a substantial sign of enhanced communications, a measure of integration of societies, and a scope toward unification of civilizations.

AGAINST
-Conservative Arab nationalists and fundamentalists argue that their culture cannot adhere to many globalized notions.
-Critics of globalization argue that this cultural invasion will lead to the disintegration of identity and the spirit of culture

Social Issues

Progress on poverty reduction over the past decade was troublingly slow. The number of people living on US$1 a day or less fell slightly from about 1.2 billion in 1990 to 1.1 billion in 2000.

Globalization and overall global poverty.

By common consent, globalization has proceeded rapidly since the 1980s. Yet according to the recent Global Poverty Report, the proportion of the world population living in poverty has declined from 29% in 1988 to 26% in 1998. Moreover, social indicators for many poor countries also show improvement over several decades.

Environment
http://www.unep.org/gc/gc24/docs/FivePropositions.pdf

2008-03-01T22:11:00.000+08:00

Science & Technology

Animal-Testing / Vivisection

Benefits of using animals

Improving the health and well-being of people.
Improving the health and welfare of entertainment, recreational, sport, and service animals, and of animals used to provide therapeutic support.
Improving the health, welfare and productivity of farm animals and other production animals
Finding better ways to preserve, protect and manage a range of animal species (especially endangered and native animals) to maintain a balance that is ecologically stable and well adapted to the Australian environment.
Developing more humane and effective pest control methods to protect endangered animals and plants from the species that threatens them and to prevent damage to the environment.
Broadening the foundations of biological science, including our knowledge and understanding of life processes in all animal species.
Example:

Anaesthetics
General anaesthetics, which are the chemicals used to make you unconscious during an operation, were first discovered and used in the mid 1800s.
Antiseptics

The value of using antiseptics to make things sterile and cleanse wounds, and we know how important it is to do surgical operations using aseptic techniques to prevent micro-organisms from being introduced into the body during the operation. Also, we can use antibiotics to kill bacteria which might enter the body during the operation or which might infect the wounds after it.

Vivisection

Vivisection refers to dissection of animal.

Court Review For Animal Testing

British Union for The Abolition of Vivisection (Buav) was taking the government to High Court in London over the fate of laboratory animals.
In total, 2.95 million animals were used in procedures last year in England, Scotland and Wales. Compared with 2004, this represents a rise of about 41,300 experiments.

Alternative to Vivisection

Euthanasia
All about euthanasia
Ethical issue
Euthanasia for Babies

Cloning
Cloning Fact Sheet
Ethics of Human CLoning
Should Human CLoning be allowed?

Xenotransplantation
Xenotransplantation Fact Sheet
All about Xenotransplantation

Designer Babies
Five babies created from stem cells
Religious divided over Designer Babies
Pros and cons of Genetic Engineering

NOT Justified
In July, the UK's fertility watchdog decided to relax the rules on the creation of so-called "designer babies" to help sick siblings. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority said embryos could be selected which were free of disease and which could provide blood cell transplants to treat sick brothers and sisters. The creation of a human being to "fix" another is unjustifiable." www.todayonline.com/pda/236223ag.htm

2008-03-01T22:07:00.000+08:00

Environment

9 Errors of Incovenient Truth
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?xml=/earth/2007/10/11/scigore111.xml

AL Gore’s Inconvenient Thruth
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/05/060524-global-warming.html

Bali Summit 07

Is the target achieveable?
http://knowledge.allianz.com/en/globalissues/energy_co2/co2_reduction/government_emissions_targets.html?from=special&special=bali

Low Faith in Biofuels for cilmate
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7136486.stm

Kyoto Protocol
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/climat/kyoto.htm

Is Kyoto Protocol effective?
http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2007/12/how_effective_is_the_kyoto_pro.html

Australian Climate Policy in from cold
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7126249.stm

Kyoto Protocol 'next to useless': PM ( Australia)
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2005/02/16/1108500136426.html

Kyoto Protocol: "A useless appendage to an irrelevant treaty"
http://www.cato.org/testimony/ct-pm072998.html

Global warming vs Terrorism

Global warming is as serious as terrorism threat
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/10/03/2049352.htm

Global warming “biggest threat
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3381425.stm

Gore: Global Warming More Serious Than Terrorism
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1521449/posts

Fox News Poll : Jobs more important than Endangered species
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,282392,00.html

Greenpeace

History of Greenpeace
http://www.greenpeace.org/international/about/history

3 factors which lead to environmental damage
1) Population- depletion of resources
2) Massive scales of technology – deplete and pollute
3 )Human indifference—apathy

Short term solution
-Change attitude
-Change habit or lifestyle

Long term solution
-Education ( successful due to media, politicians)

2008-02-29T20:42:00.001+08:00

Thousands of Indonesians protest plan to build Indonesian nuclear plant
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/ap/20080228/tap-as-gen-indonesia-nuclear-protest-64ed358.html

2008-01-04T13:20:00.000+08:00

Definition of Republic

Definition of Democracy

Definition of Marxism
A Marxist has a certain kind of practice, a way of living and working, that we call being a Communist. A Marxist's thought is based on this daily practice, a philosophy called Dialectics. Thus, Marxism is both a theory and a practice. The theories of Marxism are based on a method of thought called dialectical materialism; to be clear there is no one answer to a question -- theory is based on a particular set of conditions that are always finite, and thus, any theory is necessarily limited. To test the validity of theory, Marxists rely on empirical evidence as the criteria of truth. Using such a methodology Marx and Engels examined history, which lead them to explain theories on the class struggle, the basis of social relations through economics, and the form of society that would follow capitalism.

Definiton of Socialism
Socialism is a broad array of ideologies and political movements with the goal of a socio-economic system in which property and the distribution of wealth are subject to control by the community[1] for the purposes of increasing social and economic equality and cooperation. This control may be either direct—exercised through popular collectives such as workers' councils—or indirect—exercised on behalf of the people by the state. As an economic system, socialism is often characterized by socialized (state or community) ownership of the means of production.

Definition of Dictatorship
A dictatorship is an autocratic form of government in which the government is ruled by a dictator. In contemporary usage, dictatorship refers to an autocratic form of absolute rule by leadership unrestricted by law, constitutions, or other social and political factors within the state.
Definition of Military Dictatorship
A military dictatorship is a form of government wherein the political power resides with the military; it is similar but not identical to a stratocracy, a state ruled directly by the military.

Definition of Monarchy
A constitutional monarchy or limited monarchy is a form of government established under a constitutional system which acknowledges an elected or hereditary monarch as head of state, as opposed to an absolute monarchy, where the monarch is not bound by a constitution and is the sole source of political power.
Eg. United Kingdom, Canada, Spain or Japan, where the monarch may be regarded as the head of state but the prime minister, whose power derives directly or indirectly from elections, is head of government. United Kingdom, Canada, Spain or Japan, where the monarch may be regarded as the head of state but the prime minister, whose power derives directly or indirectly from elections, is head of government.

2008-01-04T12:46:00.000+08:00

Olympics scandal
how the US economy affect us
TSA ( Transportaion, Security, Authority) scandal
Gulf War
Military govt vs democratic govt
Palestinian( Mid East Peace)
Lider Maximo Chavez ( PM of Venzuela), Castro (President of Cuba)
Hillary Clinton, Obama

SDL Research Task:
Political Systems
1. Republic
2. Democracy
3. Marxism/ Communism
4. Socialism
5. Dictatorship

ALso try to find exmaples of contries for each ruling system above.

2008-01-02T21:00:00.000+08:00

Importance of Degree
Benefits of University
ALternatives to university

2007-12-22T11:27:00.000+08:00

Science & Technology

Is Genetic Engineering good or bad for humanity?
List of Pros and Cons of Genetic Engineering
Cloning Fact Sheet
GM Food
Impacts of Biodiversity

2007-12-16T12:21:00.000+08:00

TERRORISM

Terrorism
What is Terrorism?
Countries with Large Terrorism Presence
Terrorism in the 20th Century
Future Trends of Terrorsim

Ways to counter Terrorism
ASEAN's Efforts to Counter Terrorism
Eg. ICPTVR (website)
Muslims Need Intellectual and Moral Leadership ( The Straits Time Article)
Education, Racial and Reliqgious Harmony ( The Straits Time Article)

Debates on counter-terrorism-method vs privacy
Cheney Assails Press on Report on Bank Data
Uproar over privacy of bank data

Violence to Counter Terrorism
War in Afghanistan

2007-09-10T12:04:00.000+08:00

Research

Globalisation and Culture
Globalisation and culture
Globalisation of Culture..To What End?
Controversial issues

Environment & Biodiversity, Sustainable Development
Development Vs Environment
Biodiversity ( wikipedia)
Biodiversity as a key factor for sustainable development
Sustainable Development (wikipedia)

Terrorism and War
Terrorism(wikipedia)
War(wikipedia)
Permanent Peace

2007-08-31T22:11:00.000+08:00

Blog Task: Is Same-sex marriage a practical consideration in this age of globalisation?

Conventionally, marriage means the social institution under which a man and woman establish their decision to live as husband and wife by legal commitments, religious ceremonies, etc. However, the issue about homosexuality has been debated in this age of globalisation. While homosexuals are mostly accepted by the society ,the question on whether homosexuals are allowed to build a social institution remains.

In the age of globalisation, same-sex marriage is a practical consideration. Everyone should have the basic human rights to marry and to choose who they want to marry. Scientific research has shown that sexual orientation is not chosen. It is natural and normal part of being human. Hence, we should not deprive them from marrying their same-sex partner. Canada and Spain are the countries where legal status of same-sex marriages are fully recognised because they think that every human should have equal basic rights to marry. This concept has also been slowly accepted by other countries like Belgium, U.S. state of Massachusets and South Africa. Over time, same-sex marriages will be recognised in other parts of the worlds in the age of globalisation.

Legalisation of same-sex marriages enables countries to reap economic benefits such as "pink dollar". Pink dollar is spending power of gays and lesbians: the collective spending power of gays and lesbians, especially when targeted as consumers. A range of large corporations have recently realised the power of the Pink Pound and have begun to directly market their products towards the gay community through advertising in the gay press. In June 2006 a specialised marketing conference called the Pink Pound Conference was held in London and a similar conference was held in November 2006 by the Market Research Society.
A large market of goods and services for gays has appeared in recent years, including gay wedding services. The British gay market is estimated to be worth up to £6 billion a year. ( from wikipedia) Therefore, acceptance of same-sex marriages will boost economic growth of a country. This will make same-sex marriage is a practical consideration in this age of globalisation.

On the other hand, same-sex marriage may not be a practical consideration. Non-secular nations such as,Saudi Arabia which the country practices strict religious grounds will not consider legalisation of same-sex marriage. Because of their religions, they prohibit the legalisation of same-sex marriages. Gay rights are not recognized in Saudi Arabia and homosexuality is a serious crime punishable by death. Therefore, countries with strong religious grounds wil not accept same-sex marriages as it is seen as religious violations.

Unfortunately, same-sex marriages are seen as threat to social fabric of family structure. If same-sex marriages become common in this society, it may leads to confusion within a family structure. Conventionally, man is the father and woman is the mother. However, society may confuse in deciding who will be the father or mother since both parents are same sex. in turn, this may lead to disorder in society.

Since we cannot change the fact that sexual orientation is natural, we should treat them equally just like normal persons. Depriving them from marrying means we are depriving them for pursuing their lives, their happiness. Perhaps, social fabric structure of same-sex marriage will be accecpted over time.Therefore, same-sex marriage is a practical consideration in this age of globalisation.

Poverty

2007-08-11T10:06:00.000+08:00

"The mother of revolution and crime is poverty" (Aristotle) Do you agree?

Revolution usually is defined as a significant change that usually occurs in a relatively short period of time. In this context, revolution can be defined as a political upheaval in a government or nation state characterised by great change.

Crime is an action or an instance of negligence that is deemed injurious to the public welfare or morals or to the interests of the state and that is legally prohibited.

Poverty is the state or condition of having little or no money, goods, or means of support; condition of being poor; indigence. These three terms are often related from one another. Aristotle even quoted that the mother of revolution and crime is poverty. However, there are some other reasons which contribute to the revolution and crime beside poverty.

In my opinion, I agree that one of the factor that cause revolution and crime is poverty. When a society is sufferring because of the lack of three basic survivals, i.e. food, clothes and shelter, this society would most probably resort to revolution and crime to solve their problem. This is especially so when they have tried peaceful methods to appeal to the government. For example, Jakarta Riots of May 1998 were riots occured in several parts of Indonesia, mainly Jakarta and Surakarta during May 1998. The riots were triggered by economic problems like food shortages and massive unemployment in Indonesia. During that time, The Indonesian currency, Rupiah, had collapsed and the prices of basic goods skyrocketed. This resulted the students in Indonesia started the riots on the streets, protested against President Soeharto and even they were demanding that President Soeharto should step down. As a result, President Soeharto resigned in 1998. This clearly shows that when a society feel oppresed because of their economic reasons, they would step out to overthrow the government in the hope that their lives would be better off under the rule of other government.

However, there are other factors that cause revolution and crime. Discrimination is one of the factor. This occurs when there is resentment between two groups of people. As a result, several acts of crime such as looting and rioting occurs. For instance, the 2005 Cronulla Riots in Australia. The locals of Australia felt threatened or intimidated by the a group of non-locals-a group from Middle Eastern-.There was even a movement called "One Nation" founded by Pauline Hanson with the aim to reduce immigration and abolish divisive and discriminatory policies attached to aboriginal and migrants affair.This shows that revolution and crime occurs need not due to poverty.

In conclusion, I do not agree the mother of revolution and crime is poverty. In my opinion, the mother of revolution and poverty is the psychological factor that cause people to feel they are vulnerable or threatened. Because of this, people would take action by all means to defend themselves. This results that sometimes, they have to resort to these violent methods and even breaking the law.Therefore, poverty is not the mother of revolution and crime.

upheaval: A sudden violent upset, disruption or convulsion

2007-08-06T11:57:00.000+08:00

RESEARCH TASK
Research on your own issues on Lookism, Ageism, Disablism and Discrimination against Foreigners (Xenophobia).

Lookism
1.Definition
2.Overweight and underpaid as "sweeps" the world

Ageism
1.Definition
2.Why are ageist attitudes still acceptable?
3. Ageism in the Workplace

Disablism
1.Blogging Against Disablism Day 2007

Xenophobia
1.Xenophobia in South Africa
2.World Conference on Racism and Xenophobia
3.Xenophobia in Latin America

Freedom of Speech or Social Responsibility?

2007-06-05T00:21:00.000+08:00

Singer believes that freedom of expression is essential to any democracy and therefore should not be limited. On the other hand, Szilagyi believes that more focus should be placed on social responsibility.
In the context of Singapore’s multi-racial society, where there is cultural and religious pluralism, which author’s view do you think should be adopted?

Singapore is a very small country and a multi-racial society where a mixture of races consists of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian staying together. There is cultural and religious pluralism since every race has its own traditions and beliefs. Therefore, I think Szilagyi’s view where more focus should be placed on social responsibility than freedom of expression should be adopted in the context of Singapore.

Szilagyi views that when we perform freedom of expression, we should place our social responsibility to foresee what are the consequences or responses we would get. We should constantly keep into our minds that we should respect other people to avoid conflicts arises between people especially between races. For instance, newspapers should have considered the cartoons' potential effects on Europe's growing anti-Islam sentiments. Why make a negative point about Islam in an environment where Islam is already getting extensive negative press through the coverage of hostage-takings, bombings and terrorist groups? I strongly agree that we should consider the consequences of publishing the offensive cartoon. We should know that should any bombings happened, the society would be in chaos and eventually we are the one who would be adversely affected.

On the other hand, Singer views that freedom of speech is essential to democratic regimes, and it must include the freedom to say what everyone else believes to be false, and even what many people find offensive. We must be free to deny the existence of God, and to criticize the teachings of Jesus, Moses, Muhammad, and Buddha regard as sacred. However, we must not forget that religious are extremely sensitive issues. From our history, I believe most of the Singaporeans have learnt the lesson from the racial riots in 1963. Instead of celebrating the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, people actually had racial riots. Lots of lives were lost and infrastructures were destroyed. I believe we would not want to destroy the enjoyment from the economic growth that Singapore has been keeping up. That is why we learnt to respect other people’s cultures and be tolerant to keep the racial harmony and to avoid any racial conflicts.

In conclusion, freedom of speech should be expressed with social responsible in Singapore. Although according to Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers.” , we should not abuse the right to criticise other people’s beliefs with negative intention. Neither we should take lightly the sensitive issues as it will adversely affect us. Therefore, I think Singapore should adopt Szilagyi’s view.

Debate over Capital Punishments....Deterrent or murder?

2007-05-06T01:09:00.000+08:00

Task 3: "The Death Penalty is not deterrent, it is a murder." Do you agree?

Capital Punishments also known as the Death Penalty, is the execution of a convicted criminal by the state as punishment for crimes known as capital crimes or capital offences. Historically, the death penalty is used commonly nearly by all societies. However, the use of death penalty has been abolished gradually since World War II.
In 1977, 16 countries were abolitionist, while the figure has since now gone up to 128.Currently, 89 countries have abolished capital punishment for all offences, 10 for all offences except under special circumstances, and 29 others have not used it for at least 10 years. A total of 69 countries retain it. ( wikipedia )
For instance, in january 1999, United Kingdom abolished the death penalty and
Albania is the latest country to abolish the death penalty in early 2007.

There are five methods of executions that can be carried out. Firstly, the electric chair by applying a shock of thirty thousand watts to the criminals offenders. This is seen as the most painful way to execute someone. Secondly, the gas chamber where the death is caused by exposure to cyanide gas. This will cause the condemned writhing, vomiting, shaking and gasping for breath for many seconds. Thirdly, lethal injection is the most widespread method and considered as the most humane method of execution. This will cause the condemned lose consciousness, respiration stopped followed by the heart. Fourthly, hanging which involves in suspension of a person by ligature*, usually by a cord wrapped around neck until death. This is a common method used in many countries, i.e. Australia, Brazil, Singapore, United Kingdom. Fifthly, execution of firing squad is a method a capital punishment, particularly during war time. This requires all of member of the group to fire simultaneously.

However, capital punishments or the death penalty is often a controversial subject. Supporters of the death penalty say this is a deterrent for future crime, such that it keeps most people or their beloved one safe. On the other hand, opponents see it as an injustice act and argue that the forms of execution are gruesome or inhumane.

In my opinion, I do not agree that death penalty is not a deterrent but a murder. If it is a murder, how about the murders that the condemned did to those people who have families and loved ones? The death penalty is a verdict that is justice for victims and their family members. I am strongly agree that death penalty assures public that the felon* no longer poses threat to the society. It also serves a purpose to warn every criminal or future criminal that they will face the horrendous punishments if they commit offences. Thus, it preserves national security. The political stability of the country will be much more stable with low crime rates and safer environment to live in.

On the other hand, the death penalty has some arguments about moral judgments. It is seen as it amounts to the violation of the right to life. It is also seen that it is cruel or inhumane to a person. Instead, rehabilitation should be favoured over the death penalty. Death penalty would also point out that the irreversibility in miscarriages of justice. One who made a mistake is assumed to be there is no turning point for them anymore.

In conclusion, the death penalty is a form of deterrent of future crime through ending a life of a person. Since death penalty involves murdering a person, it should be done only after a thorough investigation about the offence that the person committed. If possible, law may also find alternative punishments such as life imprisonment which may causes more suffering to the felon. Use death penalty only when the law thinks it is appropriate for the sake of the well-being of country.

*ligature: the act of binding or tying up
* felon : a person who has committed criminal offences

Censorship...Good or Bad?

2007-04-21T20:49:00.000+08:00

Task 2: Consider the merits and demerits of censorship and state your reasons why you think it is un/necessary.

Censorship is the act of removing the parts of a book, film/movie, etc that are considered offensive, immoral or politically dangerous. Censorship is closely related to the concepts of freedom of speech & freedom of expression. When overused, it is often associated with human rights above, dictatorship and repression.

There are 5 main types of censorship:
1. Moral censorship-that is to remove information or objects that are considered immoral.
For instance, pornography.

2. Military censorship- that is the process of keeping military intelligence and tactics confidential and away from the enemy.

3. Political censorship – that is when governments are holding back secret information.
This is to prevent the expression needed to revolt. Democracies do not officially
approve of political censorship but often endorse it privately.

4. Religious censorship-the process of any material objectionable to a certain faith is removed. It often involves a dominant religion forcing limitations on less dominant ones. Alternatively, one religion may shun the works of another when they believe the content is not appropriate for their faith.

5. Corporate censorship- the process by which editors in corporate media outlets intervene to halt the publishing of info that portrays their business or business partners in a negative lights.

Advantages:

Personally, I think censorship is beneficial to the society especially in moral censorship. Immoral objects on media are strongly encouraged to be censored to protect the children in society. This is because children are greatly influenced by media today. A study shows that those teens who spend more time watching the sex and violence videos are more likely to practice behaviours in real life. Therefore, censorship is important in this case. For instance, censorship in the Internet. In 8th January 2007, Brazilian authorities tried to censor the site Youtube.com due to a video of scenes of sex between the Model Daniela Cicarelli and her boyfriend Renato Malzoni, filmed by a paparazzo on beach in Spain.

Disadvantages:

However, censorship has also its disadvantages. In political censorship, government holds back the secret information. This is truly an unfair move to the society. The society has its rights to know every single truth of how the government runs in their country. That is why transparency is important so that the society has sense of belonging to the country and aware of all the systems and policies undergone. This is necessary to show that the government is not corrupting.

Furthermore, religious censorship is also inappropriate to be implemented. The process of shuning away other religious’ works that they believe the content is not appropriate to their faith is a form of discrimination. Every religion has its own belief and faith. Therefore, other religions do not have the right to censor another religions’ work unless d work is really immorally done.

In conclusions, censorship should be used wisely but not abusively as it will falsify the truth of a fact. Censorship should be done only for the benefits of the society but not for a particular group. Should the censorship is practiced for the good of a particular group, it will create a lot of conflicts between one group and another.

Media

2007-04-15T12:41:00.000+08:00

Task 1: Write a blog entry response to the article : Spilling Blood With Oil In Iraq. What have you learnt here about the media in the way they present what is perceived over what is real?

From the article" Splling Blood With Oil In Iraq", I have learnt that media is a very powerful tool in conveying information to the rest of the world.Many people are easily influenced by the media. We always think that all the information that the media shows are the thruths.However, this might not be so. This article reveals alot of the truths from the lies that has been transmitted through media. " Among the bigger lies still current are that the war is somehow lawful,or at least not illegal , and that oil is not a motivating factor. Yet the US oil industry has been an early and enthusiastic war supporter,..."

This shows that the "creative unthruths"by US has her own objectives.So why do you think Us wants to do this?I think US wants the world to know that actually the war is not meant to be destructive so the world will support them in what they are doing. By doing so, US hopes to win the support from the world in order to help her to achieve what they want.

In conlusion, all of us should have our own opinions so that we will not be influenced by the media easily as what we see from the media may not be the thruth. Instead, we should search more other reliable sources to substantiate the facts being told to us.

Self-introduction

2007-03-18T21:29:00.000+08:00

Hello,everyone!!! Let me introduce myself once again since this entry is about an introduction about myself. Well, my name is Cicillia. Yup, no surname. Don't be surprised! I have thousands of people asking me why I don've a surname. Basically,I'm a foreigner;Indonesian. Usually Indo-chinese seldom put surname in their birth-certificates. So I don've it in my birth-certificate despite the fact that I don have a surname. :P Another special thing that I own is my birthday is on Singapore's National Day! { though I'm not a Singaporean...so sad :( }

Next, I'm an easy-going person. I like to mingle with alot of friends. I treasure closeness and bondedness within a class.So I hope all of us can get along well and be bonded quickly. So that we can study and have fun together at the same time,ok?

I think this part of introduction is crucial for my GP tutors to take note. For your information, my english is very weak.I got a B4 only in O levels and I was struggling for a pass in my secondary school for english actually. My mother tounge is malay language although my first language at home is chinese. I'm very worried about GP as I know it's very difficult. However, I'm willing to work hard. :)

Well, I think that'all for my introduction. Hope to see all of you soon. :)