Where the Next BIG War Could Begin

Ever since the dawn of civilisation, mankind has been enveloped in one war after another. From the time of the Roman Empire when King Arthur summoned his knights to stand up against the Saxon invasion of Britain to the US-led invasion of Saddam Hussein’s regime in Iraq in 2003, millions of precious and innocent lives have been lost.

Throughout those thousands of years, the function of a war has remained the same – either to conquer new territories or to maintain one’s stranglehold on power. The only thing that has changed, perhaps, is the types of weapons in use. Back then, we fought using swords and shields; now we have nuclear bombs.

As technology has developed ever so rapidly over the years, a single bomb can now kill up to a million people. And now, we don’t even have to be physically present in a battlefield. Everything can be remote controlled – from fighter drones to missile attacks.

However, the repercussions of a war are extreme. That’s why we haven’t seen a full-scale, all-out war for quite some time. Governments now think twice before launching any attacks as a war would inadvertently lead to a weak and unstable economy for any given country, besides causing all sorts of social havoc and political turmoil.

Then, there are all sorts of atrocities during wartime such as torture and abuse. As such, I believe none of us would want a full-scale war to break out anytime soon, would we? But for those who live in war ‘hotspots’, they never know when a war might break out. And when a war might claim their lives.

Here, allow me to examine three such war ‘hotspots’ which are most susceptible to not just any war, but a big war from breaking out in the near future.

North Korea

This is the last communist dynasty in the world. It is also one of the poorest countries around, and thousands of its people die of famine each year. However, the government of North Korea doesn’t seem to care much about the plight of its people as it is busy chasing after its own dream – perfecting a nuclear weapon that.

Nuclear reactor in Pyongyang

Apart from neglecting the welfare of its people, the North has a volatile relationship with South Korea. Tensions are running high between the two nations especially after the recent sinking of a South Korean warship and a war looks like a glaring possibility.

One wrong foot put by either government could lead the people of both countries to endless amount of suffering. This is because a nuclear war would ensue and matters would only get more complicated when the U.S. steps in and joins the party.

Iran

They have a similar agenda to North Korea. At least that’s what the U.S. claim. Iran has made no secret of its nuclear ambitions, but has always maintained that it is only for civilian purposes. The U.S., of course, think that there is a hidden agenda, an ulterior motive.

The 'Revolutionary Guards' of Iran

However, the good thing is that Iran does not have a nuclear weapon as of yet. But analysts have not ruled out an attack by the U.S. on them if all diplomatic avenues to halt their nuclear program are exhausted and the United Nations-backed economic sanctions levelled at them bear no fruit.

When and if the U.S. does indeed launch an attack, Iran won’t just sit still and watch. They would strike back. Hard. The Revolutionary Guards (Iran’s army) are known to be a well-organised unit and sooner rather than later, the whole of the Arab world could be dragged into a regional conflict.

Israel

They have been ruthlessly subjecting the people of Palestine to years of torment now, so it would hardly come as a surprise if the Muslim nations of the Arab world such as Syria, Lebanon and Iran stand up for their brethren and gain revenge by taking matters into their own hands.

Israeli tank in action

Besides, Israel has been causing all sorts of other problems for the Muslim nations too. A few years ago, the President of Iran, Mahmood Ahmadinejad, had even famously said that “Israel would be wiped-off the world map”. Now, that’s a powerful statement from a powerful man.

The worst part is that if Iran and the others do really attack Israel on an all-out basis, the damage done would be enormous. Why so? Because Israel is a nuclear-state and its number one ally is – you guessed it right – the U.S. Oh gosh!

In a nutshell

Wars cause a whole lot of collateral damage, but none as bad as taking away the lives of innocent people. As we can see, errant governments who put their personal interests ahead of that of their people are the ones who would most likely cause a war to start.

Even if war becomes a necessity, I feel that the use of nuclear weapons in particular should be a no-no to minimise the effects of the war on the general populace. And probably it’s about time the U.S. stopped poking its noses into people’s businesses as usually when there is a war, the U.S. is somehow or another involved.

Where do you think the next 'big' war could break out? What is your take on war? Feel free to share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.

How to Improve Your English Language Proficiency

The English language is the universal language of the world. It allows many people from diverse backgrounds and different countries to communicate with one another using one common platform.

Therefore, it comes as no surprise that millions of people from all around the globe strive very hard and make it a point to learn English – or at least the basic of it – due to its importance. Jobs can be earned, relationships can be forged and barriers can be broken via the usage of the English language.

However, after learning the basics, many come across numerous stumbling blocks in a bid to improve their English language proficiency and to take it to the next level. Some of them find it too difficult and complicated a process while others just don't seem to get the hang of it.

Here, I would like to share a few ways that can be practised by anyone who wishes to improve his or her English. A bit of tweaking is needed to see what way(s) suit you best. All these methods are modern by means, so I hope it can help you in some way or another, if you need help that is.

Watch TV Programmes/Movies

Let me start with the most enjoyable way to improve your English language proficiency – by watching television programmes and movies that is. You might have heard of this method before and not paid attention to it, but it seriously does work. It works for me at least.

Besides being entertained (of course), you would observe the language that the characters use to speak, and you will inevitably improve yours in turn. Additionally, by watching movies that promote good usage of the language such as those from the Pirates franchise, you could pick up some bombastic words and phrases to be incorporated in your daily usage of English.

Read Novels/Newspapers/Magazines

This is perhaps the most common way in which people increase their English language proficiency. With a wide array of reading materials available out there, you will never run short of supply. You have the benefit of choosing whether to read novels, newspapers, magazines or even professional blogs for that matter.

Then you can choose which niche interests you and develop your reading habit from there. Say, if you are a sports fanatic, then you could read the sports section of the newspaper while if you are a fashion-holic, you could make do with fashion magazines.

Chat Online

Well, you’d be thinking I must be joking, but no, I’m dead serious here. Although online chatting uses a whole lot of short forms and other types of non-formal English, but the thing here is that you would get more comfortable using the language if that’s not the case yet.

This method doesn’t apply if you want to take your English to a very high standard, but it works to bring it to a respectable level. I’d say that this method of chatting online with friends comes in handy especially for those who use English as their second language.

Play Video/Online Games

Another peculiar way to improve one's English you must be wondering. But it isn’t. I say this because if you are an avid gamer, you will familiarise yourself with gaming terms that would help you master the English language.

This however, on your part, requires a little attention towards the sort of language used in the game. For instance, if you play Star Wars, you will come across the word ‘rendezvous’ (that’s how I got to know it), a not so common word. Likewise, if you play football games, you would pick up the football lingo by listening to the game commentary.


Have any ideas on how you improved your English language proficiency, or how others can improve their's? Feel free to leave a comment below.

A Fan of a Peculiar Club

Which English Premier League club do you support? It would most probably be one of either Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool – for they are the so-called big four clubs in the EPL. Otherwise, it could be a more than average team like Tottenham, Aston Villa or Manchester City. But ask me this same question... and my answer would be something you would never imagine – FULHAM!

Yes, you heard it right. I support Fulham. I have been doing so for the past six years, since the year 2004 that is. The question of “Why Fulham?” must surely be bothering you, isn’t it?

Actually, the first club that I had supported in the EPL was Manchester United circa 2002, but that was when I was oblivious to the happenings in the EPL. I supported Manchester just because my friends were supporting them, and also because they were the most popular club.

However, when I started to pick up the papers to read the EPL news and started watching EPL matches a bit here and there, I realised that I didn’t actually like Manchester. And for reasons unknown to even myself, I somehow chose Fulham as the team to support. Maybe because the name sounded unique.

And so, the story of my love affair with Fulham began. From then on, I have been ridiculed a quadrillion times over by friends, family members... you name it. Every time someone spoke of the EPL, and when they asked me which team I supported, I would enthusiastically say Fulham. But then, nobody would believe me, not the first time at least.

Fulham are a relatively new club to Premier League football. They gained promotion into the top flight of British football in 2001. Astonishingly, this was their third promotion up the British league tier in five seasons. This amazing feat was mostly due to the backing of Mohamed al-Fayed, a multi-millionaire who spent a lot of money to bring quality coaches and players into the club.

When I started supporting them in 2004, Fulham were a mediocre team. They usually would be fighting for places in the lower half of the EPL table. They were never threatened of relegation, but nothing to shout about too at the same time. Back then, they had good players such as Edwin van der Sar, Louis Saha and Luis Bao Morte.

In 2008 though, Fulham were on the brink of Premier League oblivion. With just 15 minutes left to play in the final game of the season against Portsmouth, they were mathematically relegated. But a goal in the 77th minute of the game earned Fulham another season in the EPL. Had they been relegated that day, I quite possibly wouldn’t have a team to support now in the EPL.

Now, they are consistently giving the bigger teams a run for their money, featuring prominently in the top 10 of the EPL. The present team, led by Clint Dempsey, Danny Murphy, Brede Hangeland and Mark Schwarzer, have the potential to take this Fulham side far.

Their campaign in the inaugural Europa League has been a sensation – they successfully navigated past the group stages and have an outside chance of making it to the quarter-finals after losing to Juventus in the first leg of the last-16 stage. Not only that, but Fulham are in the semi-finals of the FA Cup too, their first appearance in that stage in many seasons.

Silverware or no silverware come the end of the season, the present 2009-2010 campaign has been the best in the entire history of Fulham. Very soon, we could be in the running for the EPL crown perhaps. I shall then have the last laugh at the many people who have poked fun at me for supporting Fulham. Till then, glory to Fulham!

Which EPL team do you support? Feel free to share by dropping a comment below.

Why the 2012 Theory is a Hoax

So you must have heard the widespread rumours that have been making its rounds in recent times that on precisely the 21st of December 2012, the world shall see its end. Some call it the apocalypse, while others call it doomsday. I call it bullshit.

You tell me – How on Earth is it possible for somebody, or even a community for that matter, to pinpoint the exact date, month and year, all in one, of the expiration date of the world. Disbelieving is the one word that I can come up with to describe this.

Theorists fuel their claim from two separate sources. The first one is based on the ancient Mayan calendar, which mysteriously comes to an abrupt end on the date stated above. The next claim is based on the controversial, grossly exaggerated prophecy of Nostradamus, a 16th century philosopher.

This rumourised theory has been gaining steam rapidly so much so it has become a part of pop culture. A plethora of books – fiction and non-fiction – have been written on this specific topic. Never ending debates have been raging since God knows when. And the best of it all, a movie has been created in its ‘honour’.

Now, to articulate my point of view, here are the reasons as to why the 2012 end-of-the-world theory is nothing but a hoax.

Mesoamerican Calendar

This calendar stipulates that its present cycle will conclude in December 2012. However, that doesn’t mean that the world would essentially come to an end as the cycle will restart once again. Although many scholars believed in the theory at first, but in-depth studies have led to suggest that there is no reason whatsoever to believe in it, and so this is now a non-valid reason to support the 2012 theory.

Nostradamus’s Predictions

Nostradamus was a 16th century philosopher who has written a collection of prophecies that have gained worldwide reception. However, his prophecies, written in rhyming quatrains, are very vague. People say that he predicted the 9/11 attacks, but in real truth, there isn’t proof to suggest that any of his prophecies have come true. If so, the 2012 prophecy might just have been an over-hyped thing, nothing more.

Planetary Collision

It is not quite possible that the world would end in such a way, not on the 21st of December 2012 at least. That is because if there was to be an inter-planetary or asteroid collision, scientists would have already alerted us as they keep track of all this objects in outer space. That is because by using their deep space probing devices, they are able to calculate the trajectories of planets and asteroids.

GOD

For all that we know, the greatness of God is infinite. It is beyond comprehendation. Therefore, God works in ways we humans know not of. When will we die? When will our dreams be realised? These are but a few questions that we have no answer to. Likewise, only God knows the answer to the question: When will the world end? Conclusively speaking, it’s simply absurd for one to claim to know when the world will end.

In short, I would just like to say that it is very foolish for someone to be a believer of the 2012 doomsday theory based on a couple of quarter-baked ideologies. Yes, the world will someday come to an end, but that is the prerogative of the Almighty himself.

What Shaped the World

As the year 2009 draws to a close, let’s look back to a few major events that shaped the year – events of significant importance. These events were the talking points of the year, unique only to year 2009.

These events vary from tragedies to the end of an era and the beginning of another. This list is not demographically, culturally nor socially biased. It is on a global scale. Here, I have listed the five biggest events that shaped the world in the past year based on chronological order.

20 Jan 2009

Barack Obama Sworn Into the White House

The world was all in praise for Barrack Hussein Obama for having been elected as the 44th President of the United States with seemingly consummate ease. Not only that, but he is the first black President too to reign supreme over the Oval Office. That showed that democracy is well and alive in the world, or rather in the US at least.

Obama had been inaugurated along with his Vice-President, Joe Biden. These two Democrats had their hands full with an array of global issues to tackle as well as a sinking US economy. It has henceforth been a very steep learning curve from the man who once stayed in Indonesia for a couple of years. But looking back at the year, he has done an extremely commendable job given that it is only his first year in office.

Around April 2009

A H1N1 Swine Flu Pandemic

Arguably the most lethal flu strain since the H5N1 Bird Flu had been discovered. At first, people from all nooks of the world were praying for their lives as health officials could not verify the extent of the flu strain. One thing for sure was that the flu strain was highly contagious, and therefore in a matter of weeks, it had spread to every place on Earth.

Schools shut down, medical services were tested to the limit and the media kept tab and reported on each and every person that died due to H1N1. The cure was sought for the flu and the World Health Organisation held a series of high levels talks to ascertain the complexity of the situation at hand. Even now, the virus is spreading, but it has become apparent that it is not as deadly as feared before.

18 May 2009

Tamil Tigers Felled

In a civil war that had engulfed the Sri Lankan people for the last few decades, the leader of the so-called separatists, Velupillai Prabhakaran, was killed in a heated gunfire exchange with the nations army. The cause that they were fighting for was that they wanted a separate homeland for the Tamils in the northern sector, who had been much-maligned in the development of the majorly Ceylonese Sri Lanka.

It was obvious that the Tamil Tigers were going to be defeated as they ran out of resources and also lacked the manpower to match that at the disposal of the army. Plus, the fact that Sri Lanka was given foreign aid made the job much simpler. The culmination of the bloodshed has resulted in a much more peaceful Sri Lanka now.

1 June 2009

Air France Jet That Disappeared

In what has been potentially the most mind-boggling tragedy in the airline industry, the disappearance of the Air France Jet had many scientists, investigators and the lay-men like you and me figuring out just how could that be possible. With cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art tools, I find it rather amusing that till today, the question has gone by unanswered.

The closest authorities have come to solving the issues is by claiming that a lightning bolt is to be blamed for the misfortune. Pieces of the body of the airplane have also been recovered randomly, but to offer no clue whatsoever. Probably this will continue to ridicule the folks from the airline industry in years to come, but many people have become jittery about boarding a plane as a consequence of this.

25 June 2009

R.I.P. Michael Jackson

In the annals of history, there has never been a single case of death to influence the world to this extent. For the great artist he was, many around the world shed tears. To honour him, many simultaneous simulations of his popular dance acts that accompanied his music were held around the globe, and his albums started selling like hot cakes again.

Nobody cared anymore – weather was he a molester, whether he was white– because as far as everyone was concerned, it was the passing away of a gem of a man. Drug overdose was the reason to his death. It came as a sudden shock to the world too, and newspapers, magazines and blogs were teeming with tributes to him. One man that would live long in the hearts of many in the world for sure.

--The End--

People of the Year

The year 2009 is coming to an end and many newspapers, magazines and online resources usually name the most influential people of the year. This year, since not only is it the end of the year, but also the end of a decade and the beginning of a new one, the roll of honour for people of the decade is also given.

However given that I got involved in worldly affairs lately, it would be unfair to name the people of the decade for me as I do not know much about the earlier half of the first decade of the 21st century. This list that I have over year lists the three most influential people that have left their mark in my wake.

They are people whom I may recognise as potential role-models, and they come in all shape and sizes. The scope is pretty wide – from sports to politics to entrepreneurship. So, read on and see my list and feel free to leave comments on who you think is YOUR person/people of the year. The list is in no particular order.

Usain Bolt

People have probably run out of superlatives to describe the utter phenomenalism of the greatest sprinter that the world has seen throughout eternity. Many, including me, ask, “How much faster can he go?”. The answer to that question, I am afraid, no one knows – not even Bolt. Only God knows.

In the Beijing Olympics, he made a mockery of his competitors, coolly strolling over the finishing line. In this year’s World Championships, he ran a more serious race to be the first human to run under 9.6 seconds, but it is apparent that he still has more in store. His archrivals, namely Asafa Powell and Tyson Gay, seem not to have an answer to his exploits.

His super-stardom has made him the role-model to children all over the world. His laid back attitude, on the other hand, is the envy of many. Due to his fame, he has become the face of Jamaica, an impoverished country located in the Caribbean, and in the process boosting their tourism revenue.

Most importantly, he is not a drug cheat, unlike many of his predecessors who were simply sublime on track but were later acquitted of drug abuse. In the end, they were inducted into the hall of shame, whilst Bolt here will remain etched within the hearts of many long after retirement for the great athlete he was.

Mir Hossein Mousavi

I know this is a controversial choice, but in case you hadn’t known, Mir Hossein Mousavi is the man who is attempting to bring reform to the political landscape in Iran. I had never heard of this man till the Iranian elections this year, and seeing him making headlines for bravery and courage has given me a lot of inspiration.

A few months ago, he contested in the Presidential elections. Widespread reports from neutral bodies say that he had actually won, but those in power ceased to relinquish their hold. Knowing that he was the clear winner and was robbed of victory, Mousavi has gone from strength to strength to rally supporters for mass demonstrations to support his cause for reform.

His movement, The Green Path of Hope, seeks to continue protests against the present Iranian leadership following constitutional and peaceful methods. He has gathered like-minded reformists to join his cause, and it is apparent that the Iranian authorities are under pressure following his success in garnering support from the masses.

Recently, it was purported that his office was surrounded by government-aligned ‘gangsters’ that wanted to serve him a warning, and his family was harmed too. To have a man to live by his principles and stand up for the truth amid facing a hard-line, iron-fisted authoritive government, knowing that his life and that of those that he loves is constantly in danger is extremely incredible.

Tony Fernandes

No – he is not in this list because he is a fellow Malaysian. He is here because he deserves it. Well, it isn’t exactly that this has been his best year in terms of developing his business but his budget airline, AirAsia, has surpassed MAS as the most profitable airline in Malaysia.

His great vision in developing the AirAsia brand has resulted in AirAsia being the runaway leader for budget airlines in the lucrative Asia Pacific region. They have scooped numerous awards too this year. But the highlight that epitomises his reputation as one of the greatest entrepreneur the world has seen is that he has brought back the Lotus name to the Formula One grid.

He was the brainchild of the move, and it received rave reviews from Bernie Ecclestone and the Prime Minister of Malaysia among others. Besides that, there have been rumours from the grapevine that he is preparing to launch a bid for West Ham United, an English Premier League club. That would be totally amazing.

So, in terms of branching out and spreading their wings, Tony Fernandes has brought the AirAsia brand to the attention of the whole world. The witty, quick thinking CEO has got more to offer. Perhaps, in the next few years, we would see him gaining further international recognition, and who knows, powering AirAsia to be the leading airline worldwide.

2009 Laos Sea Games

The 25th edition of the South East Asian (SEA) Games was held in Vientiane, Laos from 9-18 December 2009. Although a few events such as water polo and football started before the official opening ceremony, the other events were held within the timeframe of the opening and closing ceremonies with rousing success.

As a first-time host of the biennial games, and for a relatively poor country, Laos put on a great show according to various reports from journalists covering the event there. However, for the common people of the Asean countries, me included, there was one major downside – the games were not telecast live on television.

I have been following the Sea Games enthusiastically ever since I can remember, and without the live telecast, it just felt so different. The reason, it seems for there being no live telecast is that Laos could not provide the basic facilities, and also as a cost-saving measure.

For Malaysians, the situation changed when our national team made it to the semi-finals of the football event. Our own television crew went there to specially bring live feed for the semi-finals, which was maintained for the finals too. This initiative came down well with the Malaysian citizens who could at least cheer and watch their national team play.

In addition to the unavailability of live feed, or even delayed one’s for that matter, the fact that some events that were contested were not suited for a regional multi-sport meet was also brought up. Come on – shuttlecock juggling, muay thai and fin swimming – of what benefits are this sports to us? Luckily, Malaysia took the bright step of side-stepping these events as they are of no real benefit.

As the curtains have come down on the games after 10 days of slugging it out, battling tooth and nail for the elusive gold medals, athletes and officials waved a goodbye to Laos. Looking at the medals’ standings, regional powerhouses Thailand walked home with bragging rights after topping the table with 86 gold medals, and 266 total medals, but not without a fight as Vietnam almost caused an upset as they were leading going into the final days, only to lose out by a mere three gold medals.

A few sports were completely dominated by one country. In diving, Malaysia were untouchable, nicking 75% of the gold medals on offer. Fin swimming, the new sport of which I haven’t even watched on video, and I doubt anyone else has seen, was dictated by the Vietnamese. Singapore were a class apart from the rest in swimming, although Malaysia offered some resistance. Table Tennis was also conquered by the Singaporean paddlers.

Malaysia, I believe, have performed reasonably well given that the sports that they are traditionally stronger in – hockey, squash, gymnastics, bowling and sailing – were not contested. A tentative 35 gold medals were projected, 30 in a worst case scenario, but we ended up with 40 gold medals to show, which is, to say, highly commendable.

Here are some of the highlights and lowlights of the Malaysia contingent in Laos.

Highlights

Swimming: Daniel Bego

He won five gold medals and has assumed the role as the premier swimming sensation in South East Asia. His hefty medal return was justified by him being awarded the accolade as the Best Male Athlete of the games. This youngster still has much to prove, and his next step is to be an Asian-beater and maybe make it to the final round in the 2012 London Olympics.

Football: The National U-23 Team

1989 – That was the last time Malaysia won the Sea Games gold medal after defeating Singapore. Thereafter, the prized gold medal eluded the national team. They did reach the finals in 2001, but were outclassed by Thailand. It all seemed lost here too after their defeat to Vietnam in the group stages, but they turned on the heat to knock regional giants Thailand out of the running. In the end, the gold medal hopefully has the potential to be the perfect tonic that they need to turn around football’s fortune in Malaysia.

Badminton: Women’s Team

This was another case of success not tasted for a long period of time – 34 years that is. Wong Mew Choo, and the doubles pair of Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui inspired Malaysia to a win over the fancied Indonesian shutters in the finals, to the joy of the Malaysian badminton enthusiasts. However, the men couldn’t repeat the success, not withput Lee Chong Wei at least. Pei Tty-Eei Hui won the women’s doubles gold medal too to assert their claim as a truly world-class pair.

Lowlights

Archery: Recurve Archers

The Malaysian recurve archers, the men at least, are considered to be second only to South Korea in Asia, and among the top eight in the world. Hence, winning the Sea Games team gold medal would seem like a procession. Wrong – they were outfoxed, rather unimaginably, by Thailand. The women recurve archers too faltered, getting only a fourth place. In the end, a return of only one gold medal from a regional archery powerhouse is not good at all.

Sepak Takraw: Men’s Team

For a sport that has originated from Malaysia, and coming from the Malay word ‘sepak’ meaning kick, we should be the best in the world. But never mind, Thailand were better than us last time, as they always have been. Now, mega trouble looms ahead as not only have we returned with no gold medals, but we have also been soundly beaten by Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos. Something has to be done real soon or else we would be stuck in the doldrums for a really long time.

Shooting: The Whole Squad

Malaysia had been banking on the shooters to bring home a couple of gold medals at the very least to boost their medal tally. Instead, they have returned without a single gold medal to show, their poorest outing in years. The shooters cited mental breakdown as their downfall, but really, they should have been more prepared. The officials too have to shoulder the blame, as our once feared shooters have become laughing stalks.

*That is it from me. Do forgive me for any rueful comments made, and this is merely the writer’s perspective of things. In the end, it has been a successful Sea Games for Malaysia, but it could have been better. Whatever said and done, congrats to all the athletes, coaches and officials. Malaysia Boleh!

Angels and Demons.

Here goes. This piece of writing is NOT on the primordial meaning of angels or demons. I’m sorry for that. Angels and demons here are similes, metaphors or whatever you call them speaking figuratively of an aspect of the very basic of human natures.

What does an innocent human’s mind want actually? What pollutes an innocent human’s mind? Well, those are questions without definitive answers. They are questions which offer vague answers at the very most. Religions have tried over the millennia’s to offer their version of the story, each of them in their own ways, with some seeing success and others not.

The demons here are powerful forces that like it or not and believe it or not, lead humans astray from their ultimate goal in life. The angels on the other hand, are those forces that lead us closer to our ultimate goal in life.

In Star Wars terms, the ‘demons’ are the dark side of the force, and the ‘angels’ are the light side of the force. Speaking of that, it is easier to be influenced by the dark side, and hence, a tad harder to be absorbed into the light side of the force as it requires patience and perseverance. Henceforth, sensibly speaking, the light angelic side is the antidote to the dark demonish side of the force.

What is written below may seem trivial for you as you may have heard these stuff before. Anyway, I must say that I was enlightened by my guiding Light on this particular topic. Without wasting time any further, let's make way for the roll of dishonour, followed by the roll of honour.

Demonish Dark Side

Anger

Tonnes of us folks suffer from this. The primemost demon that has bothered the human race for eternity, so to say. Having said that, it would be paranormal too if the world was void of anger, no least because we are so used to it already.

But anger is BAD! It is scientifically proven, and religiously preached so. Anger leads to stress and tension, and results in unwanted behavior. Anger can cause high blood pressure and all that crap too.

You may just say, "Let it be". But then, many people have done things awfully wrong in a short burst of anger. Friends and family members have been killed, and jobs and relationships broken as a result of it also.

Ego

Haven't heard of a guy or girl with a big ego? Bet you have. In this era, the 'ego' phenomenon is all the rife, and thriving too. People have a knack for egoism more it seems by the day.

It's all me. No one else can do it. I am the best; unbeatable. Sounds very familiar? I know, because these are the sort of thoughts we people come across when we are influenced by the deep end of egoism.

In case you hadn't known, egoism leaves its mark is a scarrish manner. People will call you snobbish, high-nosed and stuff like that. Before long, you will notice your friends flying away. However, a tiny amount of ego is needed to give yourself some swagger in your day-to-day lives.

Attachment

Attachment - our desire to be with something till the day we die, perhaps. Something that is of too great a value to us that we cannot bear with having to part with it for the slightest fraction of a second. Maybe your family, your children. Or maybe your company. Perhaps even your laptop!

Examples of attachment range from a multitude array of perspectives, varying from a demographical to a social context of an individual. That is because someone form a rural area would usually have attachments too, but would differ greatly from a man who is a multi millionaire.

Attachment is something that is the middle ground of lust and greed. A little of both combine to make this compound called 'attachment'. Looking at it from a point, attachment can result in severe disorder if it reaches the state of paraanoia.

Greed

A sinister hunger for more and more. Never the feeling of contentment, of satisfaction. Insatiable wanting of something. But we all know the lesson here. Just remember the story of the greedy dog who in the end lost the bone it had.

In life, being greedy can result in just that. Another example is that people got so frenzied over their seemingly endless amount of cash flowing in from stock markets that they decided to invest their whole live in it literally. But when the markets plunged last year, not only was their income wiped out, but their assets nullified as a result of being declared bankrupt.

In simpler context, we are greedy for food, clothes and technological gadgets among others. But what about the children in Africa who have no food, no shelter, no clothes? Therefore, thank the Lord for what he has given you, and remember to share whatever bit you have with others.

Lust

Many people you come across in the world are a lustful bunch of clowns. That said, one shouldn’t be a celibate also. Being a celibate is against the function of a human, so to speak.

Unending lust can lead to promiscuity. How would you feel if that happened to you, supposing you think your spouse is loyal to you? On the other hand, promiscuity can land you in hot water. Take the Tiger Woods saga. His reputation is tainted and his image tarnished.

One thing that is obvious in the case of lust in that it thrives in the rural areas, in the slums and in high-end urban areas. It has been there since God knows when. But keep it in check.

Angelic Light Side

Contentment

Contentment is not just a word that is the direct opposite of greed. There is more to it than that. Contentment is the virtue of being gracious for whatever you have.

By being content, you become happy in your life. You can feel tranquility enveloping your life. You can feel the inner peace. No chasing money. No hectic work. No stress.

But the value of contentment is a rare gem to find these days. As rare as finding a needle in a haystack. Leading the life of contentment, you will never ask for more, but never settle for less too. Its the moral sanity to a middle ground, and the best way to live life.

Compassion

One has to wonder where has the value of compassion gone into hiding in recent times. Two World Wars, and some others on lesser scale along with cases of genocide and ethnic-cleansing in the past hundred years seem to press on the point that there is no place for compassion in the modern world.

But I beg to differ. There are, at least in comparison with contentment, more people with compassion that I have seen in my life. Compassionate souls live long in the hearts of those who have felt their warmth.

Compassion is a very noble value too, and it is not limited to humans only. Compassion comprises of being kind to animals and plants. Even Mother Earth needs our compassion. Save the Earth!

Love

Everybody says love is in the air. People say I love you every so often. But of what value is it? Marriages end in solemn divorces. Engaged couples abort their relationships. So much for love huh?

And nowadays, such is the fickle and narrow-minded nature of the human race that we almost all the time associate love with special relationships. Gone are the days when classmates used to love each other, when neighbours used to love each other.

Love should not be used only to express the lustful side of feelings. Love once used to be an open gesture people meant from the bottom of their hearts, but maybe due to the evolving global attitude, a change was necessary. No! Put that to right. LOVE ALL!

Truth

Spoken a lie? Nevermind. We all do it, for some reason or another. We lie due to us wanting to cover up our wrongdoings. But sooner than later, when our lies get uncovered, we would be stuck in deep shit.

True enough that it requires a lot of balls to speak the truth. Sometimes, circumstances are such that it is not too hard to say the truth, but it is not the case always. Fear especially gets the better of us in those times.

You would have realised that in times of adversity, when someone is in trouble, and the truth is uncovered to pour petrol into the fire, then the truth stings really badly. To avoid such happenings and to stay on the right path, advocate yourself and others around you to speak the truth.

Humility

So says the wise that the humblest is the most impressive. Yet, nobody, not the rich and famous at least, give a damn about that. They think they are too big for humility.

Humility is the polar opposite of egoism. An overly egoistic individual has no sense of humility, whilst a humble soul has the slightest touch of egoism. Now, the value is facing death in the upper living class. In the old times, humility was a must. If you hadn't been humble, you would literally be crucified.

But know this that people will like you all the more if you are humble. More so when it dosen't come by so often these days. Humility is the bandwagon of a human who has successfully spent his time on Earth, so why not join in?

--The End--

2010 South Africa Draw Review

At long last, the much-anticipated draw for next year’s World Cup in South Africa has concluded and the stage has been set for a mesmerising championship. 32 of the supposedly greatest footballing nations that grace the planet will descend on South Africa next year and throw up a great spectacle for fans worldwide, of which the script – meaning the draw that was held in Cape Town – has been written.

Here, I will air my personal thoughts regarding the draw, its consequences and implications, and together with that, some amateurish predictions that usually is associated with the job of the football pundits.

Before streaming into the details, let me first give a brief overview of the draw. South Africa had qualified beforehand by virtue of being the host nation, whilst the other 31 countries had to overcome an arduous qualifying campaign that was spread over the last couple of years.

The qualified nations, each fulfilling their regional quota, have now been broken out into eight mini-leagues, or rather groups, of which there of four teams to each group. Then, the knockout rounds follow, whereby the last one standing will emerge World Champions.

The Draw

Group A: South Africa (Hosts)

                Mexico (North America)

                Uruguay (South America)

                France (Europe)

Verdict: Raymond Domenech must be grinning ear-to-ear after navigating past football powerhouses in the first pot to draw South Africa, and France must be counting their lucky stars as a result. Everyone knows they barely deserve to be here after the Henry handball saga. They should however take top spot followed closely by the evenly-matched Mexico and Uruguay. Both of them have pretty decent squads but don’t count out South Africa though as home ground advantage and full support from their people might propel them into the next round.

Group B: Argentina (South America)

                Nigeria (Africa)

                South Korea (Asia)

                Greece (Europe)

Verdict: After a last-gasp qualification to the World Cup, Deigo Maradona must be itching to shut his critics up. A friendly draw has helped that cause be a tad easier. Nigeria, after their 2006 hiatus, will be gunning to make it past the group stages, but Greece and South Korea will make it tough for them. It is a close call there as any of the three teams can join Argentina, supposing they make the cut too, but African ground advantage may play into Nigeria’s hands.

Group C: England (Europe)

                United States (North America)

                Algeria (Africa)

                Slovenia (Europe)

Verdict: After a rather straightforward qualifying campaign, England’s title credentials will be tested by United States, no least after their commendable performance in getting third place in the Confederations Cup. This United States team have more bite than previous sides, but might lack experience. Algeria and Slovenia on the other hand will be out to prove that they are not just there to make up the numbers.

Group D: Germany (Europe)
                Australia (Asia)

                Ghana (Africa)

                Serbia (Europe)

Verdict: Arguably the second ‘group of death’ as all the teams have a strong hold in football. But experience may deem Germany worthy to advance to the second round and even further, but it will be anyone’s guess as to who will accompany them. Ghana will be banking to build on their second round appearance in 2006, whilst Serbia and Australia will be hard-pressed to set the record straight. This group will definitely promote attacking football and some mouth-watering encounters.

Group E: Netherlands (Europe)

                Denmark (Europe)

                Japan (Asia)

                Cameroon (Africa)

Verdict: Netherlands are undoubtedly in a class above the rest. Hence it will be trivial for them to advance past the group stages, and maybe even lift the trophy. Speaking of the Japanese, their coach boasted that his side has what it takes to reach the semi-finals, but we shall see how true that turns out to be. However, the services of Samuel Eto might not be enough to guide Cameroon to the latter stages of the World Cup as they lack all-round quality, whilst Denmark, albeit in quiet motion, lurk in the background.

Group F: Italy (Europe)               
               Paraguay (South America)

               Slovakia (Europe)

               New Zealand (Oceania)

Verdict: As reigning champions of the World Cup, it would be customary for Italy to do a good job here as well, hoping not to suffer the ignominy that 1998 champions France suffered after bowing out in the group stages in 2002. Paraguay have been consistent qualifiers in recent years, and a mediocre draw has made it possible for them to go far. Slovakia would aim to give Paraguay a decent fight, but the same cannot be said of a New Zealand side lacking any zeal. It looks like they will be on a holiday there.

Group G: Brazil (South America)

                North Korea (Asia)

                Ivory Coast (Africa)

                Portugal (Europe)

Verdict: Group G has been officially dubbed as the ‘Group of Death’ by almost every online football resource. Brazil’s bid to be champions for the sixth time will be tested to the maximum here as Ivory Coast and Portugal have big aspirations too. However, North Korea seem lost as they are potentially the weakest side in the World Cup. They might get a hammering by the other sides. The crucial fixture will be when Ivory Coast face-off with Portugal as the winner there will most probably progress.

Group H: Spain (Europe)

                Switzerland (Europe)

                Chile (South America)

                Honduras (North America)

Verdict: Spain have been labelled as the over-whelming favourites to lift the crown for the first time following their European Cup exploits. Their brand of football is what every fan longs to see – intricate one-twos and sharp through passes. This group will hardly be a test for them. In 2006, Switzerland had the bragging rights to be the first nation to exit a World Cup without conceding a goal, so they, together with Chile, will square off for the second spot. Honduras will watch from the sidelines but do not discount them as they have some excellent footballers within their ranks.

So, who is your pick to win the World Cup? Well, I'd be cheering on Germany and Argentina, but as it has always been, the Brazillians, Italians, Spanish and English look to be the most formidable of sides to lift the World Cup trophy.