Socrates, one of the true masters of the beautiful game died Sunday, aged 57.
Socrates, captained the 1982 Brazilian national team that included Zico,Falcao and Eder and have often been lauded as "the best team never to win a World Cup."
Paying a tribute to the King of Cool, Henry Winter writes in The Telegraph: Brazil’s captain struck twice in Spain, the first coming against the USSR in Seville. It was a classic, Socrates sidestepping two opponents sliding in despairingly, knowing the venom lurking in that famous right foot. The pain duly came, Socrates rifling a shot past Rinat Dasaev, the highly respected Soviet keeper.
The majesty of many of Socrates’ goals lay in their technical brilliance, the stellar significance of the occasion and often the quality of the goalkeeper condemned to fetch the ball out of the net.
After Dasaev, Socrates also caught out Dino Zoff. It came in one of the most epic contests in World Cup history, a match with Italy played out in the heat of Barcelona. Countless millions tuning in around the world watched transfixed as Socrates strolled through the middle, playing a firm pass to Zico before striding on. Zico stroked a superb return pass for Socrates, who glided into the box before beating Zoff. Sublime.
The ball entered the goal at the near post, a surprising mistake from a keeper of Zoff’s class yet Socrates had advanced radiating such confidence, almost toying with Zoff’s mind with his eyes, that a goal was inevitable. Paolo Rossi’s hat-trick saved Italy, leaving Brazil heading home early, grasping only plaudits.
“To win is not the most important thing,” reflected Socrates. “Football is an art and should be showing creativity. If Vincent van Gogh and Edgar Degas had known when they were doing their work the level of recognition they were going to have, they would not have done them the same. You have to enjoy doing the art and not think, 'will I win?’ ”.
Socrates leaves behind a cherished principle that football should be about artistry. His goals stand as a vivid reminder of that cultured credo.
Socrates has not won the World Cup, but his performances on the world stage make him an all-time great of the game, and he will be remembered as a true gifted footballing icon of the 1980s.
Showing posts with label Personal Development. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Personal Development. Show all posts
Monday, December 05, 2011
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Einstein's Law of Physics May Change
This is the cornerstone of physics since Albert Einstein dreamed up his theory of relativity.
Einstein's Law of Relativity is one of the few scientific equations most people know -- and it's a pillar of modern physics and fundamental to the way that the universe works.
The equation states that nothing is faster than the speed of light, but one of the world's foremost laboratories says they've found subatomic particles called neutrinos that travel even faster. If their findings are proven true, it may alter our understanding of the universe.
In Einstein's famous equation, E=mc2, the constant "c" is the speed of light, which is the same everywhere in the universe: c = 186 thousand miles per second, and there is nothing faster. The constant been accepted for more than a century.
Scientists were baffled by the research findings.
As the international team which conducted the experiments puzzled over what is potentially one of the biggest upsets in history, less rigorous minds turned their attention to the possibility of time travel and visiting distant planets.
Even Professor Alvaro De Rujula, a theoretical physicist at CERN, was not immune to the excitement.
He acknowledged that if the readings proved correct, and were not the result of some human error, it created unlimited possibilities.
The average person, said Professor De Rujula, "could, in principle, travel to the past and kill their mother before they were born".
Yesterday, the scientists whose findings have force a rethink on the make-up of the universe, officially informed colleagues and asked them for help in uncovering any flaws. Link
Einstein's Law of Relativity is one of the few scientific equations most people know -- and it's a pillar of modern physics and fundamental to the way that the universe works.
The equation states that nothing is faster than the speed of light, but one of the world's foremost laboratories says they've found subatomic particles called neutrinos that travel even faster. If their findings are proven true, it may alter our understanding of the universe.
In Einstein's famous equation, E=mc2, the constant "c" is the speed of light, which is the same everywhere in the universe: c = 186 thousand miles per second, and there is nothing faster. The constant been accepted for more than a century.
Scientists were baffled by the research findings.
As the international team which conducted the experiments puzzled over what is potentially one of the biggest upsets in history, less rigorous minds turned their attention to the possibility of time travel and visiting distant planets.
Even Professor Alvaro De Rujula, a theoretical physicist at CERN, was not immune to the excitement.
He acknowledged that if the readings proved correct, and were not the result of some human error, it created unlimited possibilities.
The average person, said Professor De Rujula, "could, in principle, travel to the past and kill their mother before they were born".
Yesterday, the scientists whose findings have force a rethink on the make-up of the universe, officially informed colleagues and asked them for help in uncovering any flaws. Link
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
CIMA's Islamic Finance Certificate
Bait al-Mashura, a specialised company in providing Islamic finance consultations, has been authorised by Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) to hold exams and grant certificates in Islamic finance. Bait al-Mashura managing director and CEO Dr Osama Q al-Derae’i said certificates of CIMA are based on self-paced study and distance learning principle.
More of this article on Gulf Times.
The 'CIMA Certificate in Islamic Finance' was officially launched in December 2007 in the UK and Bahrain, followed by Malaysia and Singapore in 2008.
Islamic finance is a trillion dollar industry and has become part of the global financial system. Educating financial professionals on Islamic finance has become a business priority for many countries, given that the Islamic finance industry is growing at an estimated 15-20 per cent annually.
More of this article on Gulf Times.
The 'CIMA Certificate in Islamic Finance' was officially launched in December 2007 in the UK and Bahrain, followed by Malaysia and Singapore in 2008.
Islamic finance is a trillion dollar industry and has become part of the global financial system. Educating financial professionals on Islamic finance has become a business priority for many countries, given that the Islamic finance industry is growing at an estimated 15-20 per cent annually.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
The Nation Mourns Death of Hiriyaa Principal and four students
It is shocking and deeply sad to learn of the tragic deaths of Hiriyaa School principal Ali Nazim and students Aishath Saeed of Meenaz Gaaf Alif atoll Dhehvadhoo, Mariyam Naaz of Suvaasaage Haa Alif atoll Hoarafushi (Galolhu Oivaali), Aishath Shaaniha of Handhuvary Villa Raa Rasmaadhoo and Mariyam Shaiha of Maafannu Moisha.
It is reported that Principal Ali Nazim lost his own life while trying to save drowning students who had gone on a fisheries science field trip to Kaafu atoll Huraa.
May Allah grant His blessing on the departed souls. May Allah grant families of the deceased the strength to bear such loss.
This incident is a stark reminder of the perils of the sea.
It is reported that Principal Ali Nazim lost his own life while trying to save drowning students who had gone on a fisheries science field trip to Kaafu atoll Huraa.
May Allah grant His blessing on the departed souls. May Allah grant families of the deceased the strength to bear such loss.
This incident is a stark reminder of the perils of the sea.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Do Beggars Reflect the Plight of the Poor?
The picture on Haveeru yesterday shows a line of people, who assemble in Male' for the month of Ramadan hoping to increase their begging income. This is a very sensitive issue. Most of them are elderly persons. Regardless of whether one agrees with their behaviour or not, they deserve sympathy. That is the goodness in human decency. Most of them may have raised families and contributed to society. In their sunset years, this is a very sad state for them.
While their individual difficulties are not known, nothing suggests that they do it do to sustain a serious drug habit- a deadly addiction widespread in our country. Also it appears that the social welfare monthly payment of rf 2000 for seniors above 65 may not be adequate to sustain a decent living.
Their families, the community and the government will have to step up to help these people in a more effective manner. Government can develop various skills programmes, just like the 'second chance programme' recently introduced, to help these people take up meaningful work that can pay them adequate compensation. That increases their self esteem and gives a sense of pride in belonging to a community. Stronger family bonds will need to be maintained to avoid people having to resort to begging as a means for survival or as a profession to earn money.
While their individual difficulties are not known, nothing suggests that they do it do to sustain a serious drug habit- a deadly addiction widespread in our country. Also it appears that the social welfare monthly payment of rf 2000 for seniors above 65 may not be adequate to sustain a decent living.
Their families, the community and the government will have to step up to help these people in a more effective manner. Government can develop various skills programmes, just like the 'second chance programme' recently introduced, to help these people take up meaningful work that can pay them adequate compensation. That increases their self esteem and gives a sense of pride in belonging to a community. Stronger family bonds will need to be maintained to avoid people having to resort to begging as a means for survival or as a profession to earn money.
Saturday, December 04, 2010
Cycle of failure breeds youth violence
What causes youth to turn to violence? Is it due due to the neglect of parents? Is it due to the system of education? Is it due to peer pressure? Is it due to the failure of society to stop violence from breeding more violence?
Glenn Lim who is a youth specialist consultant and adjunct lecturer preparing for his Doctorate in Criminology, as well as a Commonwealth Youth Ambassador (Asean) and Singapore Youth Award 2005 winner explores the subject of gang violence in Singapore in an article on Today Online.
Glenn Lim who is a youth specialist consultant and adjunct lecturer preparing for his Doctorate in Criminology, as well as a Commonwealth Youth Ambassador (Asean) and Singapore Youth Award 2005 winner explores the subject of gang violence in Singapore in an article on Today Online.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Gandhi's Seven Deadly Sins
Mahatma Gandhi said that seven things will destroy a society. (Link)
1)Wealth without work
2)Pleasure without conscience
3)Knowledge without character
4)Commerce (business) without morality (ethics)
5)Science without humanity
6)Religion without sacrifice
7)Politics without principle
All of these conditions are evident in the social and political fabric of our society today.
Now we have freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. We have the separation of powers and we have independent institutions, still in the early stages of the democratic process. With the new found freedoms our society is on the brink of anarchy.
What is the price to pay for a free society?
Parents can no longer raise their children with sound values. Illegal drugs and violence have become rampant in our society. Personal morality is in a state of flux, with social pressures causing individuals to define "good" and "bad" as they deem fit. This is having a profound negative effect on our culture regarding the individual character development of our younger generation.
Now we want security and freedom from fear. We want a civil society to live in. We need the enforcement of law and order. We want our elected officials and politicians to be honourable in their words and conduct.
That would be a good starting point to restore honour into our community.
1)Wealth without work
2)Pleasure without conscience
3)Knowledge without character
4)Commerce (business) without morality (ethics)
5)Science without humanity
6)Religion without sacrifice
7)Politics without principle
All of these conditions are evident in the social and political fabric of our society today.
Now we have freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. We have the separation of powers and we have independent institutions, still in the early stages of the democratic process. With the new found freedoms our society is on the brink of anarchy.
What is the price to pay for a free society?
Parents can no longer raise their children with sound values. Illegal drugs and violence have become rampant in our society. Personal morality is in a state of flux, with social pressures causing individuals to define "good" and "bad" as they deem fit. This is having a profound negative effect on our culture regarding the individual character development of our younger generation.
Now we want security and freedom from fear. We want a civil society to live in. We need the enforcement of law and order. We want our elected officials and politicians to be honourable in their words and conduct.
That would be a good starting point to restore honour into our community.
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Saudi clerics battle over fatwas
Saudi's ultra-conservatives hold on to old views as Islamic progressives push for modern fatwas.
"Clerics have opened up a pitched battle in Saudi Arabia over who can issue fatwas, or religious edicts, as hardline and progressive religious scholars, judges and clerics have taken the fight public.
Much of the fight in the past week has focused on a fatwa endorsing music issued by Adel al-Kalbani, a Riyadh cleric famed as the first black imam at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Islam's holiest city.
Kalbani, popular for his soulful baritone delivery of Koranic readings, said he found nothing in Islamic scripture that makes music "haram", or forbidden.
But, aside from some folk music, public music performance is banned in Saudi Arabia, and some ultra-conservatives say it is forbidden even in the home.
"There is no clear text or ruling in Islam that singing and music are haram," Kalbani said.
Also in recent weeks, a much more senior cleric, Sheikh Abdul Mohsen al-Obeikan, raised hackles with two of his opinions.
First, he endorsed the idea that a grown man could be considered like a son of a woman if she breast-feeds him.
The issue is seen by some as a way of getting around the Saudi religious ban on mixing by unrelated men and women.
It brought ridicule and condemnation from women activists and Saudi critics around the world.
But Obeikan, a top advisor in the court of King Abdullah, who is believed to be supportive of less severe rules in his kingdom, also angered ultra-conservatives when he said the compulsory midday and mid-afternoon prayer sessions could be combined to help worshippers skirt the intense heat of summer.
While the choice is allowed for individuals in certain circumstances, conservatives say such a broad ruling for everyone is wrong.
The comments by Obeikan and Kalbani brought rebukes from top-level clerics in a debate that has erupted into freewheeling public discussions in the media and on the Internet. " More of this article on Middle East Online
"Clerics have opened up a pitched battle in Saudi Arabia over who can issue fatwas, or religious edicts, as hardline and progressive religious scholars, judges and clerics have taken the fight public.
Much of the fight in the past week has focused on a fatwa endorsing music issued by Adel al-Kalbani, a Riyadh cleric famed as the first black imam at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Islam's holiest city.
Kalbani, popular for his soulful baritone delivery of Koranic readings, said he found nothing in Islamic scripture that makes music "haram", or forbidden.
But, aside from some folk music, public music performance is banned in Saudi Arabia, and some ultra-conservatives say it is forbidden even in the home.
"There is no clear text or ruling in Islam that singing and music are haram," Kalbani said.
Also in recent weeks, a much more senior cleric, Sheikh Abdul Mohsen al-Obeikan, raised hackles with two of his opinions.
First, he endorsed the idea that a grown man could be considered like a son of a woman if she breast-feeds him.
The issue is seen by some as a way of getting around the Saudi religious ban on mixing by unrelated men and women.
It brought ridicule and condemnation from women activists and Saudi critics around the world.
But Obeikan, a top advisor in the court of King Abdullah, who is believed to be supportive of less severe rules in his kingdom, also angered ultra-conservatives when he said the compulsory midday and mid-afternoon prayer sessions could be combined to help worshippers skirt the intense heat of summer.
While the choice is allowed for individuals in certain circumstances, conservatives say such a broad ruling for everyone is wrong.
The comments by Obeikan and Kalbani brought rebukes from top-level clerics in a debate that has erupted into freewheeling public discussions in the media and on the Internet. " More of this article on Middle East Online
Monday, March 29, 2010
A Great Lesson in Grit and a Record for Endurance
Nanyang Technological University(NTU) Singapore went the extra mile to raise funds for their students. NTU's 218 km ultramarathon was run round Singapore Sunday to celebrate its 55th anniversary. The total distance equal to 5 marathons is Singapore’s longest run and it raised $218,000 for the school’s bursary fund.
Physics teacher Yong Yuen Cheng, 38, was the fastest finisher in a time of 31 hours, 28 minutes and 51 seconds. Five out of the nine core runners finished the awesome distance within the cut off time of 36 hours.
This is a classic case of no-pain, no-gain moment. It's the mind over matter. It's the remarkable ability of the human spirit to transcend the limitations set by the mind- pain and suffering in this case. Toenail problems, blistered feet, a hurt knee, strained left quadriceps and diarrhoea were just some of the challenges that Yong Yuen Cheng overcame to complete the 218km gruelling feat without any sleep.
Despite the risk of injury, what drives relentless runners to do these ultra-distances and challenge their physical limits?
One of the nine core runners representing the NTU alma mater is MediaCorp Chinese news editor 56-year-old Lim Nghee Huat. Lim is no stranger to the marathon scene and has conquered miles in Brazil and Jordan. During the the three month period of training for this event, Lim said, "As daunting as it may seem to some, Mr Lim has these words of encouragement to those who are keen to take up the challenge.
He said: "I think from time to time, we should redefine the boundaries of our limits. If we don't try, we won't know what our limits are."
A fitting reply to the above question also comes from Yong Yuen Cheng when he said, "I do endurance races to let people know that no matter how ordinary you are, you can do something extraordinary."
While the NTU can immortalise the unwavering determination and perseverance of the core runners and the support group who helped runners endure the arduous ultramarathon, this feat also holds loads of positives and inspiration for everyone else, especially for those wishing to excel in their chosen path of life, be it sports, education or any other field.
"Run when you can, walk when you have to, crawl if you must, just never give up." American ultramarathon runner Dean Karnazez.
Physics teacher Yong Yuen Cheng, 38, was the fastest finisher in a time of 31 hours, 28 minutes and 51 seconds. Five out of the nine core runners finished the awesome distance within the cut off time of 36 hours.
This is a classic case of no-pain, no-gain moment. It's the mind over matter. It's the remarkable ability of the human spirit to transcend the limitations set by the mind- pain and suffering in this case. Toenail problems, blistered feet, a hurt knee, strained left quadriceps and diarrhoea were just some of the challenges that Yong Yuen Cheng overcame to complete the 218km gruelling feat without any sleep.
Despite the risk of injury, what drives relentless runners to do these ultra-distances and challenge their physical limits?
One of the nine core runners representing the NTU alma mater is MediaCorp Chinese news editor 56-year-old Lim Nghee Huat. Lim is no stranger to the marathon scene and has conquered miles in Brazil and Jordan. During the the three month period of training for this event, Lim said, "As daunting as it may seem to some, Mr Lim has these words of encouragement to those who are keen to take up the challenge.
He said: "I think from time to time, we should redefine the boundaries of our limits. If we don't try, we won't know what our limits are."
A fitting reply to the above question also comes from Yong Yuen Cheng when he said, "I do endurance races to let people know that no matter how ordinary you are, you can do something extraordinary."
While the NTU can immortalise the unwavering determination and perseverance of the core runners and the support group who helped runners endure the arduous ultramarathon, this feat also holds loads of positives and inspiration for everyone else, especially for those wishing to excel in their chosen path of life, be it sports, education or any other field.
"Run when you can, walk when you have to, crawl if you must, just never give up." American ultramarathon runner Dean Karnazez.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Optimism for Islamic Insurance-Takaful
The 5th Asian Takaful Conference is underway in Singapore from 9-10 Mar 2010. The Conference Theme: "Reality Check on Growth and Promise of Takaful as a Dynamic Force"
Industry executives are optimistic about the growth prospects of Islamic insurance or takaful which offers a mutual, co-operative type of insurance.
Total takaful contributions only account for just one percent of the global insurance market.
But this is expected to increase significantly, thanks to growing interest among Muslims and non-Muslims alike in shariah-compliant investment and insurance products. (Link)
Industry executives are optimistic about the growth prospects of Islamic insurance or takaful which offers a mutual, co-operative type of insurance.
Total takaful contributions only account for just one percent of the global insurance market.
But this is expected to increase significantly, thanks to growing interest among Muslims and non-Muslims alike in shariah-compliant investment and insurance products. (Link)
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Democracy is not enough
Looking at the problems we face in Maldives today, it now seems that getting to the democracy is the easy part. This is only the beginning of the democratization process, i.e., the separation of powers and the building of independent institutions that reinforce democratic values. We now have the separate powers, but each power has more than sufficient to still cause tyranny to the people who gave them the power.
Reducing the civil servants pay while the commissioners of the independent commissions decided to increase their wages and while the elected members of the parliament refused to even consider to take a pay cut stands out as a glaring injustice forced out on the ordinary civil servants.
Recently the Ministry of Economic Development pushed to permit sale of alcohol in inhabited islands against strong opposition from the Islamic Ministry and several civil society organisations and many members of the public who petitioned the government against such permit because of the widespread problems of drug abuse, violence and killings that even the president has acknowledged. Granted that we are on a learning curve of the multi-party pluralistic system of governance, what we saw in this case is still an appalling level of incoherent behaviour between two ministries of the same government. Under pressure from the mass public protest, the government had to heed the battle cry against the sale of alcohol in inhabited islands and was forced to change policy.
Today, civil servants are back on the street protesting to restore their pay cut, hoping that the government would take cue from them and heed their call as well.
To be a democratic country, a country has to choose its leaders through fair and competitive elections, ensure basic civil liberties, and respect the rule of law.
After a free and fair election of the country's first multi-party presidential contest, we have had a peaceful transition in 2008. Rewind 30 years back, in 1978 we also had a peaceful transition in the nation's top job. We have since learnt that everything good in a democracy does not come just by changing the political guard in a peaceful transition. Disingenuous politicians, their ignorance and careful evasion of issues have left behind for future generations a host of intractable challenges. On top of the social list, an illegal drug epidemic affecting more than 30,000 youth most of whom are addicted to drugs. The present government needs to do more to provide care and rehabilitation to the addicts. In order to tackle the illegal drug business, stricter deterrent sentences have to given to those who are trafficking and selling illegal drugs. Unfortunately, the judiciary that is not functioning as it should is making this woeful legacy even worse by not meting out stricter deterrent sentences against hardcore drug trafficking criminals.
History has shown us that the democratization takes time because it requires the development of new institutions and widespread trust in them by the citizens. In the United States and Britain, it took well over a century before all the institutions and democratic practices were firmly in place. In Maldives in order for the nascent democracy to take roots, our government has to initiate the process of inculcating democratic ideals of trust, tolerance, and cooperation starting with young children from homes and schools. The challenge to build a culture of peace depends on the ability of a community to settle disagreements and resolve conflicts without waging violence.
We have a long way to go, but we are on our journey of the democratization process.
Reducing the civil servants pay while the commissioners of the independent commissions decided to increase their wages and while the elected members of the parliament refused to even consider to take a pay cut stands out as a glaring injustice forced out on the ordinary civil servants.
Recently the Ministry of Economic Development pushed to permit sale of alcohol in inhabited islands against strong opposition from the Islamic Ministry and several civil society organisations and many members of the public who petitioned the government against such permit because of the widespread problems of drug abuse, violence and killings that even the president has acknowledged. Granted that we are on a learning curve of the multi-party pluralistic system of governance, what we saw in this case is still an appalling level of incoherent behaviour between two ministries of the same government. Under pressure from the mass public protest, the government had to heed the battle cry against the sale of alcohol in inhabited islands and was forced to change policy.
Today, civil servants are back on the street protesting to restore their pay cut, hoping that the government would take cue from them and heed their call as well.
To be a democratic country, a country has to choose its leaders through fair and competitive elections, ensure basic civil liberties, and respect the rule of law.
After a free and fair election of the country's first multi-party presidential contest, we have had a peaceful transition in 2008. Rewind 30 years back, in 1978 we also had a peaceful transition in the nation's top job. We have since learnt that everything good in a democracy does not come just by changing the political guard in a peaceful transition. Disingenuous politicians, their ignorance and careful evasion of issues have left behind for future generations a host of intractable challenges. On top of the social list, an illegal drug epidemic affecting more than 30,000 youth most of whom are addicted to drugs. The present government needs to do more to provide care and rehabilitation to the addicts. In order to tackle the illegal drug business, stricter deterrent sentences have to given to those who are trafficking and selling illegal drugs. Unfortunately, the judiciary that is not functioning as it should is making this woeful legacy even worse by not meting out stricter deterrent sentences against hardcore drug trafficking criminals.
History has shown us that the democratization takes time because it requires the development of new institutions and widespread trust in them by the citizens. In the United States and Britain, it took well over a century before all the institutions and democratic practices were firmly in place. In Maldives in order for the nascent democracy to take roots, our government has to initiate the process of inculcating democratic ideals of trust, tolerance, and cooperation starting with young children from homes and schools. The challenge to build a culture of peace depends on the ability of a community to settle disagreements and resolve conflicts without waging violence.
We have a long way to go, but we are on our journey of the democratization process.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Tiger Woods Played By Different Rules
In the USA, the celebrity-obsessed culture is constantly fed by the mass news media which permeates to far reaching corners of the globe setting trends for the rest of the world to follow this repulsive obsession. The Tiger Woods apology posted on his website has proven yet again that the rich and powerful do have an advantage over the rest of the population- infidelity in relationships included among others.
"I knew my actions were wrong, but I convinced myself that normal rules didn't apply," Woods admitted talking about his numerous sexual indiscretions and reckless behaviour. “I thought I could get away with whatever I wanted to. I felt that I had worked hard my entire life and deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me. I felt I was entitled. Thanks to money and fame, I didn’t have to go far to find them. I was wrong. I was foolish. I don’t get to play by different rules.”
Tiger Woods has made history on and off the golf course since he joined the PGA Tour in 1996. First up was a record $40 million contract from Nike. The following year he won the Masters by a record 12 strokes, becoming the youngest winner ever and first black player to take the title. His career has been packed full of accomplishments, including major titles (14), annual money titles (9) and Player of the Year awards (9). Woods is also the first athlete to earn $1 billion.
Tiger Woods is now a billion dollar brand. In his carefully scripted self-loathing apology, it is not surprising that Woods also apologized to his business partners.
Behavior expert and physician Drew Pinsky who has co-authored the book "The Mirror Effect: How Celebrity Narcissism Is Seducing America" has given a very interesting take on the cultural influence of celebrity narcissism; a culture whose young emulate the behavior of celebrity models.
In answer to a question in an interview, "What do you mean by the "mirror effect," and why do you say it's a problem?"- Drew says:
"I've been working with celebrities many, many years. I've treated many for chemical dependency and the like. They have profound childhood trauma. It's not something to do with their job or the life they lead. They just happen to be people driven to seek celebrity as a way to make themselves feel better. Then the question becomes, why are we preoccupied with this population? This points toward the mirror. We, too, have been increasingly narcissistic. I speculate that that's what drives us toward this phenomenon of elevating people to almost god-like status. It's not so much that it's the glamour we like focusing on — rather it's the dysfunction. We're taking someone who needs to be a god and making them a god. Then we spend all our energy tearing them down."
Celebrity narcissism, the term narcissism meaning that a person is totally absorbed in self sets a bad example for kids who view these celebrities as role models.
Cricket Star Adam Gilchrist who was nominated as the Australian of the Year has hit out at the obsession with instant celebrities who are famous only for being on YouTube.
Gilchrist urged the nation to embrace role models of substance.
The chairman of the Australia Day Council said only people who showed sustained effort over many years to make Australia a better place should be put on a pedestal.
Gilchrist told a gala dinner at Parliament House, marking the 50th anniversary of the Australian of the Year award, that celebrity worship was a worry.
"As our obsession with celebrity continues to grow, renown seems to come these days, for some at least, on the back of a few minutes of outrageous behaviour or a funny clip on YouTube," he said.
In the very tightly controlled stage set where Tiger Woods addressed his scandal for the first time, he has also demonstrated how skilled he is at dodging and ducking personal questions. Even though he said that he does not get to play by different rules, by his refusal to take any questions from reporters he has contradicted himself and confirmed that indeed he plays by different rules.
"I knew my actions were wrong, but I convinced myself that normal rules didn't apply," Woods admitted talking about his numerous sexual indiscretions and reckless behaviour. “I thought I could get away with whatever I wanted to. I felt that I had worked hard my entire life and deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me. I felt I was entitled. Thanks to money and fame, I didn’t have to go far to find them. I was wrong. I was foolish. I don’t get to play by different rules.”
Tiger Woods has made history on and off the golf course since he joined the PGA Tour in 1996. First up was a record $40 million contract from Nike. The following year he won the Masters by a record 12 strokes, becoming the youngest winner ever and first black player to take the title. His career has been packed full of accomplishments, including major titles (14), annual money titles (9) and Player of the Year awards (9). Woods is also the first athlete to earn $1 billion.
Tiger Woods is now a billion dollar brand. In his carefully scripted self-loathing apology, it is not surprising that Woods also apologized to his business partners.
Behavior expert and physician Drew Pinsky who has co-authored the book "The Mirror Effect: How Celebrity Narcissism Is Seducing America" has given a very interesting take on the cultural influence of celebrity narcissism; a culture whose young emulate the behavior of celebrity models.
In answer to a question in an interview, "What do you mean by the "mirror effect," and why do you say it's a problem?"- Drew says:
"I've been working with celebrities many, many years. I've treated many for chemical dependency and the like. They have profound childhood trauma. It's not something to do with their job or the life they lead. They just happen to be people driven to seek celebrity as a way to make themselves feel better. Then the question becomes, why are we preoccupied with this population? This points toward the mirror. We, too, have been increasingly narcissistic. I speculate that that's what drives us toward this phenomenon of elevating people to almost god-like status. It's not so much that it's the glamour we like focusing on — rather it's the dysfunction. We're taking someone who needs to be a god and making them a god. Then we spend all our energy tearing them down."
Celebrity narcissism, the term narcissism meaning that a person is totally absorbed in self sets a bad example for kids who view these celebrities as role models.
Cricket Star Adam Gilchrist who was nominated as the Australian of the Year has hit out at the obsession with instant celebrities who are famous only for being on YouTube.
Gilchrist urged the nation to embrace role models of substance.
The chairman of the Australia Day Council said only people who showed sustained effort over many years to make Australia a better place should be put on a pedestal.
Gilchrist told a gala dinner at Parliament House, marking the 50th anniversary of the Australian of the Year award, that celebrity worship was a worry.
"As our obsession with celebrity continues to grow, renown seems to come these days, for some at least, on the back of a few minutes of outrageous behaviour or a funny clip on YouTube," he said.
In the very tightly controlled stage set where Tiger Woods addressed his scandal for the first time, he has also demonstrated how skilled he is at dodging and ducking personal questions. Even though he said that he does not get to play by different rules, by his refusal to take any questions from reporters he has contradicted himself and confirmed that indeed he plays by different rules.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Ignorance is not always a Bliss
Following article is from the Jakarta Times, marking the World Cancer Day on 4 February 2010.
"The public needs to realize that cancer is often preventable and treatable, including through changes in lifestyle, activists say.
“Many people still believe that when you have cancer you will die, and that’s it,” Melissa Luwia from the Indonesian Cancer Foundation (YKI) said during a rally to mark World Cancer Day, in Jakarta, on Thursday.
The general public also wasn’t fully benefiting from early detection and early treatment of cancer, she said.
“Some types of cancer, such as cervical cancer, if detected early, can be treated effectively,” Melissa said.
She added that many people were unaware that healthy habits, such as giving up smoking, avoiding overexposure to direct sunlight, maintaining a balanced diet and regular physical examinations, could help prevent cancer.
“People should realize that they have, and must make, choices. They can choose to eat food without preservatives, for example,” she said.
According to the International Union Against Cancer, each year more than 12 million people are diagnosed with cancer and 7.6 million die as a result of the disease.
However, 40 percent of cancers are preventable, YKI said. During the rally, YKI members and university students distributed leaflets promoting healthier lifestyles.
They also displayed a banner denouncing smoking, attracting passers-by in the busy area.
“Today we are trying to increase public awareness of the dangers of smoking, because it is one of the known causes of lung cancer,” Melissa said.
Indonesia’s Consumer Protection Foundation (YLKI) estimates that last year there were around 60 million smokers in Indonesia, and that 427,000 citizens died from smoking-related diseases."
The title of this article refers to an old English proverb- where ignorance is bliss, 'Tis folly to be wise. The phrase is used to mean what you do not know cannot hurt you. It is a quotation from the English poet Thomas Gray born December 26 1716 and died 30 June 1771 taken from the poem:
Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College
"To each his sufferings: all are men,
Condemn'd alike to groan—
The tender for another's pain,
Th' unfeeling for his own.
Yet, ah! why should they know their fate,
Since sorrow never comes too late,
And happiness too swiftly flies?
Thought would destroy their Paradise.
No more;—where ignorance is bliss,
'Tis folly to be wise."
"The public needs to realize that cancer is often preventable and treatable, including through changes in lifestyle, activists say.
“Many people still believe that when you have cancer you will die, and that’s it,” Melissa Luwia from the Indonesian Cancer Foundation (YKI) said during a rally to mark World Cancer Day, in Jakarta, on Thursday.
The general public also wasn’t fully benefiting from early detection and early treatment of cancer, she said.
“Some types of cancer, such as cervical cancer, if detected early, can be treated effectively,” Melissa said.
She added that many people were unaware that healthy habits, such as giving up smoking, avoiding overexposure to direct sunlight, maintaining a balanced diet and regular physical examinations, could help prevent cancer.
“People should realize that they have, and must make, choices. They can choose to eat food without preservatives, for example,” she said.
According to the International Union Against Cancer, each year more than 12 million people are diagnosed with cancer and 7.6 million die as a result of the disease.
However, 40 percent of cancers are preventable, YKI said. During the rally, YKI members and university students distributed leaflets promoting healthier lifestyles.
They also displayed a banner denouncing smoking, attracting passers-by in the busy area.
“Today we are trying to increase public awareness of the dangers of smoking, because it is one of the known causes of lung cancer,” Melissa said.
Indonesia’s Consumer Protection Foundation (YLKI) estimates that last year there were around 60 million smokers in Indonesia, and that 427,000 citizens died from smoking-related diseases."
The title of this article refers to an old English proverb- where ignorance is bliss, 'Tis folly to be wise. The phrase is used to mean what you do not know cannot hurt you. It is a quotation from the English poet Thomas Gray born December 26 1716 and died 30 June 1771 taken from the poem:
Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College
"To each his sufferings: all are men,
Condemn'd alike to groan—
The tender for another's pain,
Th' unfeeling for his own.
Yet, ah! why should they know their fate,
Since sorrow never comes too late,
And happiness too swiftly flies?
Thought would destroy their Paradise.
No more;—where ignorance is bliss,
'Tis folly to be wise."
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Liberty without Wisdom and without Virtue!
But what is liberty without wisdom, and without virtue?
It is the greatest of all possible evils;
for it is folly, vice, and madness, without tuition or restraint.
-- Edmund Burke
(1729-1797) Irish-born British statesman, parliamentary orator, and political thinker
Source: Reflections on the Revolution in France
Link: Liberty Quotes
It is the greatest of all possible evils;
for it is folly, vice, and madness, without tuition or restraint.
-- Edmund Burke
(1729-1797) Irish-born British statesman, parliamentary orator, and political thinker
Source: Reflections on the Revolution in France
Link: Liberty Quotes
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Blatter's 'moral compensation' to the Irish
FIFA president Sepp Blatter said Thursday that he wants to offer a special award for Ireland- a 'moral compensation' after Ireland lost a World Cup spot to France when a handball from the French captain Thierry Henry led to a decisive goal.
On the day Blatter announced that World Cup teams will receive at least $9 million for taking part in the competition, he insisted that a monetary reward would not be appropriate to pay the Irish.
The Irish never asked for a financial compensation or even a moral compensation. They wanted a place in the world cup contest. To talk about a moral compensation in the world cup dominated by powerful forces of sponsorship and big money just like any other big business that is bereft of morality is really a farce.
Earlier in the week Blatter urged players and coaches to "observe fair play", calling on them to understand that doing the right thing on the pitch has "social and cultural value" and commanding them to "be an example to the rest of the world".
This call for honour came just days after he revealed that Thierry Henry wasn’t to blame for his cheating which cost Ireland a place at the World Cup finals.
Blatter also revealed that he telephoned the France captain to offer him support “because he tried to get in touch with me.”
Blatter added: "He was honest by admitting that he did use his hand, but it wasn't his responsibility to tell the referee. In the specific case of the Henry handball, the referee should have taken the time to reflect rather than immediately awarding the goal."
Thierry Henery admitted to the hand ball only after the match was over. If Thierry Henry was so honest, he should have told the referee who did not see the hand ball before the match was over. Then the goal would not have stood and Ireland had the chance to go to the world cup.
It is difficult to understand Blatter's intellectual reasoning. What kind of a message does this controversy send considering the fairplay and honesty that Blatter talked about?
On the day Blatter announced that World Cup teams will receive at least $9 million for taking part in the competition, he insisted that a monetary reward would not be appropriate to pay the Irish.
The Irish never asked for a financial compensation or even a moral compensation. They wanted a place in the world cup contest. To talk about a moral compensation in the world cup dominated by powerful forces of sponsorship and big money just like any other big business that is bereft of morality is really a farce.
Earlier in the week Blatter urged players and coaches to "observe fair play", calling on them to understand that doing the right thing on the pitch has "social and cultural value" and commanding them to "be an example to the rest of the world".
This call for honour came just days after he revealed that Thierry Henry wasn’t to blame for his cheating which cost Ireland a place at the World Cup finals.
Blatter also revealed that he telephoned the France captain to offer him support “because he tried to get in touch with me.”
Blatter added: "He was honest by admitting that he did use his hand, but it wasn't his responsibility to tell the referee. In the specific case of the Henry handball, the referee should have taken the time to reflect rather than immediately awarding the goal."
Thierry Henery admitted to the hand ball only after the match was over. If Thierry Henry was so honest, he should have told the referee who did not see the hand ball before the match was over. Then the goal would not have stood and Ireland had the chance to go to the world cup.
It is difficult to understand Blatter's intellectual reasoning. What kind of a message does this controversy send considering the fairplay and honesty that Blatter talked about?
Friday, November 20, 2009
A Victory by Cheating in the Beautiful Game
One of Europe's leading football players, French superstar Thierry Henry who has a good reputation for fair play- up to the "Hand of God II" incident - has confessed he cheated to rob Irish of a World Cup place. The France striker used his hand twice to control the ball before crossing for William Gallas to head home in extra-time during their World Cup play-off on Thursday.
This incident is reminiscent of Diego Maradona's infamous Hand of God goal when Maradona scored the winning goal to defeat England in a 1986 World Cup quarterfinal match.
Thierry Henry has tarnished his reputation for good. Argentina's Diego Maradona an icon of football in the 70s and 80s, despite his talent is considered one of the sports most controversial figures for various reasons including his use of drugs. Thierry Henry is one of the finest strikers of today's game twice nominated for the FIFA World Player of the Year, was named the Profeesional Football Association Players' Player of the Year twice, and the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year three times.
Thierry Henry has missed an opportunity to set a higher standard by admitting to the referee that he had handled the ball. The goal would not have stood and he would have earned the admiration of the entire sporting world. But he didn’t do it. He knew that he had done wrong, but he put his team's interest ahead of doing what was right. Now he has shattered his squeaky-clean image as an ambassador for football.
From what we see on the football pitch- players diving for penalties, dangerous fouls to hand balls- and off the pitch from the violence that show the ugly side of the game, it is clear generally that the beautiful game no longer exists. World Cup Football has become the world's biggest sports spectacle driven by the money and power of big business, sponsorships and merchandising. The pressure to win at all costs has killed the beautiful game.
Even Brazil known to play the beautiful game have abandoned their open and flowing style of the game to adopt the more physical style of the game played in Europe.
Tele Santana, one of Brazil's greatest coaches who led Brazil at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups and guided Sao Paulo to two successive wins in the Libertadores Cup in the early 1990s is reported to have said: "I'd rather lose the game than tell my team to foul, kick the opponents or win with an illegitimate goal. "
Santana was widely respected for his sense of fair play and his refusal to use rough-arm tactics.
The qualities that the late Santana espoused seems to have been confined to history.
This incident is reminiscent of Diego Maradona's infamous Hand of God goal when Maradona scored the winning goal to defeat England in a 1986 World Cup quarterfinal match.
Thierry Henry has tarnished his reputation for good. Argentina's Diego Maradona an icon of football in the 70s and 80s, despite his talent is considered one of the sports most controversial figures for various reasons including his use of drugs. Thierry Henry is one of the finest strikers of today's game twice nominated for the FIFA World Player of the Year, was named the Profeesional Football Association Players' Player of the Year twice, and the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year three times.
Thierry Henry has missed an opportunity to set a higher standard by admitting to the referee that he had handled the ball. The goal would not have stood and he would have earned the admiration of the entire sporting world. But he didn’t do it. He knew that he had done wrong, but he put his team's interest ahead of doing what was right. Now he has shattered his squeaky-clean image as an ambassador for football.
From what we see on the football pitch- players diving for penalties, dangerous fouls to hand balls- and off the pitch from the violence that show the ugly side of the game, it is clear generally that the beautiful game no longer exists. World Cup Football has become the world's biggest sports spectacle driven by the money and power of big business, sponsorships and merchandising. The pressure to win at all costs has killed the beautiful game.
Even Brazil known to play the beautiful game have abandoned their open and flowing style of the game to adopt the more physical style of the game played in Europe.
Tele Santana, one of Brazil's greatest coaches who led Brazil at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups and guided Sao Paulo to two successive wins in the Libertadores Cup in the early 1990s is reported to have said: "I'd rather lose the game than tell my team to foul, kick the opponents or win with an illegitimate goal. "
Santana was widely respected for his sense of fair play and his refusal to use rough-arm tactics.
The qualities that the late Santana espoused seems to have been confined to history.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
This, Too, Will Pass
In chapter 8 of 'A New Earth', Eckhart Tolle writes a thought provoking story about the discovery of inner space.
"According to an ancient Sufi story, there lived a king in some Middle Eastern land who was continuously torn between happiness and despondency. The slightest thing would cause him great upset or provoke an intense reaction, and his happiness would quickly turn into disappointment and despair. A time came when the king finally got tired of himself and of life, and he began to seek a way out. He sent for a wise man who lived in his kingdom and who was reputed to be enlightened. When the wise man came, the king said to him, ‘I want to be like you. Can you give me something that will bring balance, serenity, and wisdom into my life? I will pay any price you ask.’
The wise man said, ‘I may be able to help you. But the price is so great that your entire kingdom would not be sufficient payment for it. Therefore it will be a gift to you if you will honour it.’ The king gave his assurances, and the wise man left.
Be at peace
A few weeks later, he returned and handed the king an ornate box carved in jade. The king opened the box and found a simple gold ring inside. Some letters were inscribed on the ring. The inscription read: This, too, will pass. ‘What is the meaning of this?’ asked the king. The wise man said, ‘Wear this ring always. Whatever happens, before you call it good or bad, touch this ring and read the inscription. That way, you will always be at peace.’
This, too, will pass. What is it about these simple words that makes them so powerful? Looking at it superficially, it would seem while those words may provide some comfort in a bad situation, they would also diminish the enjoyment of the good things in life. ‘Don’t be too happy, because it won’t last.’ This seems to be what they are saying when applied in a situation that is perceived as good.
The full import of these words becomes clear when we consider them in the context of two other stories. The story of a Zen master whose response is always ‘Is that so?’ shows the good that comes through inner nonresistance to events, that is to say, being at one with what happens. The story of a man whose comment is invariably a laconic ‘Maybe’ illustrates the wisdom of nonjudgment, and the story of the ring points to the fact of impermanence which, when recognized, leads to nonattachment. Nonresistance, nonjudgment, and nonattachment are the three aspects of true freedom and enlightened living."
Link
"According to an ancient Sufi story, there lived a king in some Middle Eastern land who was continuously torn between happiness and despondency. The slightest thing would cause him great upset or provoke an intense reaction, and his happiness would quickly turn into disappointment and despair. A time came when the king finally got tired of himself and of life, and he began to seek a way out. He sent for a wise man who lived in his kingdom and who was reputed to be enlightened. When the wise man came, the king said to him, ‘I want to be like you. Can you give me something that will bring balance, serenity, and wisdom into my life? I will pay any price you ask.’
The wise man said, ‘I may be able to help you. But the price is so great that your entire kingdom would not be sufficient payment for it. Therefore it will be a gift to you if you will honour it.’ The king gave his assurances, and the wise man left.
Be at peace
A few weeks later, he returned and handed the king an ornate box carved in jade. The king opened the box and found a simple gold ring inside. Some letters were inscribed on the ring. The inscription read: This, too, will pass. ‘What is the meaning of this?’ asked the king. The wise man said, ‘Wear this ring always. Whatever happens, before you call it good or bad, touch this ring and read the inscription. That way, you will always be at peace.’
This, too, will pass. What is it about these simple words that makes them so powerful? Looking at it superficially, it would seem while those words may provide some comfort in a bad situation, they would also diminish the enjoyment of the good things in life. ‘Don’t be too happy, because it won’t last.’ This seems to be what they are saying when applied in a situation that is perceived as good.
The full import of these words becomes clear when we consider them in the context of two other stories. The story of a Zen master whose response is always ‘Is that so?’ shows the good that comes through inner nonresistance to events, that is to say, being at one with what happens. The story of a man whose comment is invariably a laconic ‘Maybe’ illustrates the wisdom of nonjudgment, and the story of the ring points to the fact of impermanence which, when recognized, leads to nonattachment. Nonresistance, nonjudgment, and nonattachment are the three aspects of true freedom and enlightened living."
Link
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Salih Yucel's interview on Islam
Salih Yucel, lecturer at the Centre for Studies in Religion and Theology at Monash University in Australia has spoken to Minivan News. His talks deal with the theory and practice of Islamic law, the Sharia law on some important social matters.
Link to part 1
Link to part 2
Link to part 1
Link to part 2
Friday, December 19, 2008
Happiness is contagious!
In a study that looked at the happiness of nearly 5,000 individuals over a period of 20 years, researchers at Harvard Medical School and the University of California, San Diego, found that one person’s happiness triggers a chain reaction that benefits not only their friends, but their friends’ friends, and their friends’ friends’ friends. The effect lasts for up to one year.
The flip side, interestingly, is not the case: Sadness does not spread through social networks as robustly as happiness. Happiness appears to love company more so than misery.
Read more about this research on Harvard.
The flip side, interestingly, is not the case: Sadness does not spread through social networks as robustly as happiness. Happiness appears to love company more so than misery.
Read more about this research on Harvard.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
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