Blog 12_ Black Friday

In the United States and Canada, the day after Thanksgiving, also known as Black Friday, is the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. People fill up department stores and malls in order to get the best bargain. Many wake up at 4 a.m., or earlier, just for special sells. It's the perfect time to find clothes, boots, and electronics. It is the busiest shopping day of the year.
I have never personally experienced Black Friday before because I've always lived in Asia. However, I have heard numerous stories and seen countless pictures of Black Friday. Every single person, from young to old, seems to be out of the house shopping. To me, it sounds like the best day ever. Who doesn't like great discounts? Who doesn't want a day of simply spending money and buying everything you want? I have seen photos of my friends, each holding three big bags of "success," at the very least. I have listened to my friends show off the new cameras they got at a fairly cheap price.
In my opinion, every country should have Black Friday. This would most certainly boost the GDP because of the sudden increase in consumption every year on that day. However, it would be very difficult. It takes a very long time to establish a tradition; it is said that Black Friday started in 1975. Stores may be reluctant be give great discounts because they feel they have nothing to earn. Perhaps the government could give the stores incentives to provide good bargains on Black Fridays, such as lower tax.

Blog 11_The Taekwondo Incident at the Asian Games

I'm sure everyone in Taiwan is aware of the taekwondo incident that happened at the Asian games around 6 days ago. Taiwanese competitor Yang Shu-Chun was suddenly disqualified when she was leading by 9-0, because her socks had extra electronic sensors. The judge who halted the match was a Filipino of Korean decent and the technician who found the sensors was Korean. At the sudden announcement of her disqualification, the Taiwanese people are greatly angered because we had a shot at winning the gold medal for the under 49kg (108lb) division. Since then, the Taiwanese people have burnt South Korean flags, smashed South Korean products like Samsung products and instant noodles, boycotting South Korean goods, and have even thrown eggs at a South Korean school in Taipei. Countless Facebook events have been created and many Youtube videos have been posted in support of the anti-Korean movement.

The reaction of the Taiwanese people surprised me. I did not imagine us to be so aggressive and nationalistic. Mr.Meneses, in class yesterday, pointed out that most Asian countries are nationalistic, in particular China, Japan and South Korea, perhaps due to our past. When something against the entire nation happens, the people unite and turn against their common enemy. This is no different from the United States, whereas when 911 happened, the entire nation turned against the terrorists. In some ways this nationalism can be good, but it can be disastrous as well. It can ignite conflict, which eventually leads to war.

Having joined one of the Facebook events, I understand how the rest of the Taiwanese population feel. However, some of our actions are not justified. Even if the judge was Korean, it does not mean that the entire Korean nation should take blame. It is like accusing an entire school of crazy violent lunatics when only one of them is. Surely we can express our anger and discontent, but we should not go so far that hostility between the two nations build up. Replacing the red and blue ying yang on the South Korean flag with dung is simply demeaning and unacceptable.

Blog 10_Exorcists wanted: apply to Catholic Church

The title of this article was enough to keep me laughing. As I read the entire article, I couldn't stop laughing at the absurdity of the content (I LMAOed, literally). Basically, the U.S. Roman Catholic Church began holding special training workshops for exorcists since Friday. So far, there are only 5 or 6 American exorcists and the demand is on the increase. Therefore, the church has signed up 56 bishops and 66 priests.

Whenever I think of exorcism, I think of movies like "The Last Exorcist" and "Constantine". To be honest, it gives me the creeps because demons and evil spirits are always involved. The reason I refuse to believe in exorcism is because 1) it's ridiculous and 2) it scares me. Perhaps the idea that evil spirits can overtake one's soul is too horrifying for me to accept.

In the last sentence of the article, it reads "Possible signs of demonic possession include scratching, cutting, biting of the skin; profound displays of strength; and a strong or violent reaction to holy water". I wonder why the author put this here-was it to warn us of demon-possessed people around us? So we can inform the exorcists to rid them?

It makes me wonder why there is a sudden increase in the demand for exorcists in the United States, though. Are there more people "possessed" nowadays? Or are people just more superstitious? In temples in Taiwan, there are spirit mediums called tongjis, which are people who can communicate with the spirits. These tongjis are dressed in a funny outfit and they dance in a weird way. Some even go as far as to hitting their heads with a stick with sharp blades sticking out, not stopping until their faces are covered in blood. I always believed these tongjis to be putting on a show. However, I feel great pity for them, having to hurt their own bodies to make a living.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20101112/od_nm/us_romancatholic_exorcists;_ylt=AmqBBsxOOJrBPXmrl1vgVpms0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTFmMDEzcjJhBHBvcwMxODEEc2VjA2FjY29yZGlvbl9vZGRfbmV3cwRzbGsDZXhvcmNpc3Rzd2Fu

Blog 9_The Socialite Network: UK's Queen joins Facebook

What do you know, even Queen Elizabeth II has a Facebook page now. Even though it is merely a corporate page, not an actual personal profile, this is a huge step. This seems to prove the point that Facebook is the new door to the "modern" world nowadays. One of the officials said, "If you are going to have an online presence in 2010, you just have to be on Facebook."
I absolutely agree with that statement, seeing that almost everybody has access to the Internet and over 500 million people use Facebook, ranging from middle-school kids to 80-year-old seniors. It's the newest way to "connect" and fit in. Without Facebook, one would be missing out on the newest event,gossip, and discussions.
In fact, the royal family have already set up an account on Flickr, Twitter in 2009 and a video channel on YouTube in 2007. In almost every country, the government sets up accounts as such to connect to the common citizens. In Taiwan, President Ma speaks to us through recorded videos. The president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, has a Facebook page also. Even though these websites are not monitored by the actual politician/royalty themselves, but people still feel a sense of connection.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101107/ap_on_hi_te/eu_britain_queen_on_facebook

Blog 8_Horror disease hits Uganda

There always seems to be a something, whether it be a disease or a natural disaster, that is diminishing the human race; there was the two world wars, SARS, the earthquake in Haiti and many more. Now there seems to be something new: a horror disease that rots away the victim's body. This vicious disease has recently appeared in Uganda, already killing 20 people and sickening 20,000 people in just two months. The disease is passed by jiggers, small insects that look like fleas. Jiggers usually enter through the feet and suck all the blood, multiplying by the hundreds. All body parts affected rot away, including lips, fingers, and even eyelids.

To add on top of this tragedy is that many of the Ugandans believe that this disease was a curse and decide to wait for death, instead of seeking for medicine or medical services. One 60-year-old stated that "For the last three years I have been suffering from jiggers....They were sent to me by my neighbor who wants to grab my piece of land." Due to this misconception, more people are dying than needed to.

Whenever I hear stories about people dying, I try to look on the bright side; there are more lives born than dead each second. Four babies are born every second while about 1.8 people die each second. Although many pass away, many more are born and they all bring hope to this world and make it a better place.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101022/ap_on_he_me/af_uganda_the_rot;_ylt=ApsAgtOwaKeLiCEMvkoZGtbVJRIF;_ylu=X3oDMTJtbWhjN3QzBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTAxMDIyL2FmX3VnYW5kYV90aGVfcm90BHBvcwM1BHNlYwN5bl9hcnRpY2xlX3N1bW1hcnlfbGlzdARzbGsDaG9ycm9yZGlzZWFz

Blog 7_Woman whose house burned down wins $80,000 in lottery

       "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." As cliché as it sounds, it's one of my favourite phrases. Reading about the woman whose house burnt down last month winning the lottery, I felt so happy for her. When she realized she had won $80,000, she was devastated; she believed her lottery ticket was laying in ashes in her house. Without the ticket, she cannot claim the prize. However, life has its ways and she soon realizes she had placed her ticket at her parent's place. Now she can afford to pay off her debts and even rent a new house to live in. It's new stories like this that moves me. 
       Life is never fair and not everything goes your way; we have to take life as it comes. God always surprises us with vast oceans to swim across and tall mountains to overcome, but we have to have faith in Him, knowing he would lead us on a new path, towards a new direction. God has plans for all of us.
      I am blessed with a loving family, the best friends anyone could have, a superb education, and everything I could ever ask for. Sometimes I fail a test and I grow melancholy. Sometimes I get into a fight with my mum over the most trivial things and I hate my life. Sometimes I grow so tired of studying for exams and I want to give up. The thing is, these are merely tiny obstacles in life that we cannot let defeat us.  These things are what will shape who we become in the future. We should always keep in mind that when a door closes, another window opens.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39581878/ns/us_news-wonderful_world/

Blog 6_Chinese Nobel prize winner's wife detained

    http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/10/10/china.nobel.wife/index.html?hpt=T1
   On Friday, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Liu Xiaobo, a Chinese human rights activist who has been imprisoned since 2009, for "his long and non-violent struggle for fundamental human rights in China." The Chinese government is very upset at the win and is worried that it could harm relations between China and Norway. His wife, Liu Xia, was allowed to tell her husband about winning the Nobel Peace Prize but she has also been detained in her apartment. When Liu Xiaobo heard the news, he began to cry and said "This is for the martyrs of Tiananmen Square." Liu Xia, on the other hand, is prohibited to leave her house, have any visitors, use the telephone or cellphone. However, she is allowed a little bit of freedom-her Twitter. 
    Liu Xiabo and his wife deserve a lot of respect. They believe in their cause and are not afraid to speak their minds. They are willing to do anything to promote their cause in hopes of giving the Chinese people more rights. Even though China is a major growing power today, there is still a lack of democracy and human rights. It's not right to prohibit freedom of speech or even religion. I believe Liu Xiaobo and his doings genuinely deserve this year's Nobel Peace Prize, regardless of what the Chinese government say. He's a role model we should all look up to. Even though he was the one who won the prize, he did not take the credit; he dedicated it to the martyrs at Tiananmen Square. This demonstrates his love for his nation. I hope the Chinese government soon realizes they need to catch up with the rest of the world and allows more human rights.
   Another thought that popped into my mind was that despite the fact she cannot leave the house or use the phone, Liu Xia could tweet. Tweets can say a lot of things and other people can see what she has to say. After reading the article, I have decided to look for her her on Twitter and hopefully follow her as well.

Blog 5_Tennis players who grunt do have advantage, study says

Tennis players who grunt do have advantage, study says

    Canadian and American researchers conducted tests that showed that "extraneous sounds" made from tennis players interfere with the opponents' performance, making their responses  slower and less accurate. 33 students in the University of British Columbia were shown clips of tennis players grunting and they had to figure which direction the players were heading. Results show that the participants were slower to react and more inaccurate. Some tennis players argue that grunting is unfair and should be banned.Maria Sharapova and Rafael Nadal are the two most well-known grunters.

    As a frequent grunter myself, I believe grunting should not be banned from matches. My coach taught us that grunting helps us regulate our breathing and use our strength more easily. It also boosts our confidence and our stamina. At the start of the match or when I am behind, I grunt. It really helps me.

   Although grunting helps the player, it would definitely extremely unfair if grunting gave the player an advantage and disturbed the opponent. Like any other sport,different players have different habits, whether it be wearing a headband or kissing the court before the game; grunting is also a habit. Nonetheless, interfering with the other opponent is unsportsmanlike. If the results of this study is actually true, then I'm afraid certain rules should be created, such as not making noise louder than a certain amplitude.

Blog 4_Linday Lohan's Chequered Life

Lindsay Lohan's chequered life in the spotlight

    On BBC news, this article talks briefly about the transformation of the innocent child star Lindsay Lohan with a seemingly bright future to the scandalous young woman who has just been released from jail on a $300000 bail. She became a model at age 3 and later starred in the Disney movie The Parent Trap and other hits. In 2004, she become the youngest host of the MTV Awards ceremony. It seemed she had a bright future ahead of her...Then she started hardcore partying, over drinking, drug-dealing. In July 2010, she was jailed for probation violation for 90 days. She was released only a few days ago.
     I'm sure we all know Lindsay Lohan, either as the adorable mischievous little girl in the Parent Trap or the popular girl in Mean Girls. Without a doubt, she's a talented actress and singer. When I first saw her in the Parent Trap, I thought, "Wow she's going to be so successful in the future!" Little did I know, her personal life become messed up and impure. Perhaps she made bad friends who introduced her to drugs and alcohol. Who you hang out with determines who you become, due to peer pressure.
   Another reason may be that the Hollywood life exerts just too much pressure for her. With all the paparazzi spreading rumours and such, celebrities lead a difficult life. They also have to take in a lot of pressure and criticism. We see Britney Spears shaving her head bald, Owen Wilson slashing his wrist, and Heath Ledgers committing suicide. I used to be so jealous of celebrities and how much attention they get, now I have only sympathy for them.

Blog 3_More shooting?

http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2010/09/19/bikers-fire-tourists-outside-delhi%E2%80%99s-jama-masjid

        Earlier this morning (Sept. 9) in New Delhi, India,  two tourists, supposedly from Taiwan or Korea, were injured as two gunmen riding a mobike started shooting at the tourist bus near the Jama Masjid mosque. The Jama Masjid mosque area is one of the main attractions for tourists in the capital of India. The two injured tourists were immediately sent to a nearby hospital. Doctor Vijay Jumar says that one has a serious injury in his stomach and the other victim is fine. One of the witnesses says the gunmen shot with automatic weapons and shot at least 10 rounds. The police are now launching a manhunt. This event poses a great threat to India because in two weeks, New Delhi will be holding the Commonwealth Games, and the safety of the athletes must be secured. The article reminds us that the Taliban and al-Qaeda terrorists' spokesmen have issued warning to disrupt the Commonwealth Games.
       This article reminded me of the bus massacre that happened in the Philippines a few weeks ago. I will never tolerate anyone who hurts innocent people because the innocent victims do not deserve it. My friend personally knows one of the victims of the massacre and his father and two sisters are both dead.  My friend's friend is currently recovering from a serious head injury. All their family wanted to do was have a good time travelling in the Philippines, celebrating their academic success. The damage done to the family can never be fixed.  Can't one travel in peace? Now seeing that Taiwanese tourists in India are being victimized, I am even more infuriated and frustrated with the world today. Must we always live in fear? Must we wear bullet-proof jackets and be armed twenty-four seven? 
     In many occasions before this, the Taliban or the al-Qaeda or other Muslim extremists have used violence in order to grasp the world's attention. They want to be noticed so they run planes into buildings or conduct bloody massacres. Nobody is certain who was behind this shooting, but I say with a fair amount of certainly that it's one of the extremist groups, probably protesting against the arrival of the foreigners to attend the upcoming Commonwealth Games.
   

Blog 2_Indian and Pakistani players unite to reach U.S. Open final

Link to Article

    The U.S. Open, which is the fourth and final tennis tournament of the Grand Slam is currently taking place in New York city. Rohan Bopanna and Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi, an Indian and Pakistani doubles team, lost to the American Bryan twins in the men's doubles finals last Friday, coming in second place. This is an interesting combination because India and Pakistan have been hostile towards each other since 1947. They have fought over three wars over Kashmir and issues of border lines. He would never forget Qureshi says, the sight of so many Indians wearing Pakistani flags and cheering together with Pakistanis.  Back at the Wimbledon, Bopanna and Qureshi wore t-shirts that read "Stop war, Start Tennis." They believe they can do their best to promote peace and ameliorate relations between India and Pakistan."You can't mix politics, religion or culture with sports," Qureshi said. "That's the beauty about it."

      When I heard about the India-Pakistani doubles pair, I had an indescribable feeling of joy because I knew this would be a step forward for the world. As Indians and Pakistans cheered together and for the other country, the hostility between them will subside and they will realize, just like Bopanna and Qureshi, they can work together as friends and accomplish great things. Perhaps before then, Indians and Pakistanis had a stereotypical conception or fear of each other and felt that each other was enemy by birth. However, I believe no matter what race or nationality, people can work together, as long as they trust in each other.

      I absolutely agree with what Qureshi said; the beauty of sports lies in the fact that there there are no borders of nationality or religion. Back in the ancient times, when the Olympics were held, there was a truce and all city-states gathered to participate in a great sports event. Sports is an amazing thing; it's more than just running around or hitting balls, it's about the heart and cooperating together through trust.

Blog 1_Homosexuality?

Family indicted for assaulting, kidnapping gay teenager who posted drag queen photos on Facebook




        As I was browsing nydailynews.com, the terms "gay teenager", "drag queen", "Facebook" caught my eye. The first thought that popped into my mind was "What has Facebook done to ruin somebody's life this time?" Intrigued, I read on. Angel, a19-year-old Arab gay teenager who recently started to work as a drag queen in  local nightclubs began posting cross-dressing photos of him on Facebook. His relatives, claiming to "defend family honor", threatened to kill him if he did not take the photos off the Internet, but he ignored the warning. The first attempt to kidnap Angel was back in May, where they handcuffed and assaulted him in his mother's house. The more severe attack was on August 23rd, where Angel was tear-gased and blindfolded to a relative's house, chained to a window. Fortunately, a friend of his called the police and Angel was saved.
       I could not believe what I had just read. Undoubtedly, homosexuality is still unaccepted by certain more conservative religions, such as extreme Muslims or Catholics. However, I would never imagine family members, namely parents, to threaten to kill their child because of his/her sexuality. Families should be supportive of whatever their family members choose to be, even if they disapprove. Certainly some people hold their values and beliefs adamantly, but choosing to sacrifice one's family member's life because they believe in what is "right" is simply heinous and inhumane. I am Christian myself and I understand all religions have their values and beliefs. However, I do not place my religious values before my family because it was in God's will to put me in this family and they are the ones I should love and tolerate.
     Another point that captivated me was the fact that Angel, like every other teenager, enjoys exposing photos of himself on the Internet, where everyone has access. He wanted to share his life with his friends and relatives. However, this openness got him into trouble and a good beating. This made me remember other circumstances I had read about where teenagers are tagged in photos from hardcore partying with alcohol and the mum sees them and they're grounded, or in graver situations, employees are fired because their boss sees "inappropriate" photos. This makes me wonder, is being more open about one's private life ruining our lives in some ways? Now I'm a little hesitant about posting photos and status on Facebook. Still, I can't help it. Facebook is addictive.