Anger over Aussies’ Virginia Tech Game
(The Sydney Morning Herald Wednesday 16 May 2007)

After the recent and tragic incident that occurred last month, in which a student of South Korean decent gunned down 32 fellow schoolmates in his academic institution, a new problem has surfaced: A young Australian, Ryan Lambourn, residing in Sydney has replicated the entire incident through an interactive platform, a computer game. Claiming that the purpose of creating such an application was to provide an insight on the killer’s mindset and that he could relate to the predicaments that Cho had faced throughout the years, Mr. Lambourn refused to give in to demands and pleas made by critics and relatives of the victims alike to remove his creation from the Internet. On top of that, He later demanded a US$1000 “donation” in exchange for the removal of the game but withdrew the statement soon after, claiming that it was a joke.

The very fact that such a horrible event is being exploited and made into a mode of entertainment is wrong. The Virginia Technological University Massacre has left a very deep scar in the lives of the 32 victims’ schoolmates and loved ones, and replicating it in such a manner that can easily become widespread would further plague the already badly shaken minds of these individuals. Moreover, demanding a ransom in return for fulfilling the pleas made by the victims’ families showcases the insincerity and the self-indulgence of this man.

However, being a victim of abuse himself, it can be understood why he is behaving in this manner. Perhaps the main motive of his doing is to idolize and commemorate the courage that the South Korean gunman, Cho Seung-hui, had taken to stand up against his so-called “aggressors”. If so, this method that he has employed in expressing himself through the use of the internet is one of immorality such that he deeply hurts other individuals in the process. A better alternative would be to seek counseling and reducing emotional tension through engagement in activities such as sports or hobbies.

This situation then indicates a problem with the mindsets of our modern-day youth: Being born into an age where materialism, comfort and being outspoken and vocal have become part of our daily lives, many of us are unexposed to the numerous hardships in life. We are spoilt to such an extent that should any predicament fall upon us, we tend to voice our opinions without differentiating and reflecting on the morality of the stands we take, with the above incident being one such example.

We should learn how to think rationally, as well as take into consideration the emotions of our fellow humans and not resort to rather damaging measures to express our thoughts. This can be done by having the authorities implement a programme whereby youth have to undergo training to deal with hardships and stress, together with a workshop teaching moral values to develop a sense of empathy for individuals around us. Doing so would allow the youth of our nation to have an increased degree of resilience and the ability to dispel harmful thoughts in a non-hurtful manner.

over and out.

>> World Focus

Japan and China's precarious spring
(The Straits Times Saturday April 14 2007)

For the past week, the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao paid a visit to Japan in a bid to strengthen and promote inter-country relations. The Chinese Premier went as far as mingling with the locals during their daily activities such as practising taiji, jogging, and even planting vegetables with the Japanese farmers. Over the course of his visit, both sides have been negotiating for a boost in economic co-operation, settling certain historical disputes, as well as discussing joint-military exercises. Though ties are certainly improving by a significant degree, the journalist is sceptical regarding the sustainability of relations due to China’s rise as an economic power.

It is definitely heart-warming that the two countries which are constantly at loggerheads with each another are finally starting to make concessions and working towards a peaceful co-existence. However, the journalist’s view is one to agree with, for the inevitable rise of China as an economic powerhouse would spark off further rivalry between both nations.

The major development of the Chinese industry and economy would require a gargantuan amount of resources. As we know, China and Japan are having a stand-off regarding the exploitation of natural gas deposits in the East China Sea; further advancements would mean an increase in the frequency of disputes regarding natural resources.

China’s rise would also mean a displacement of Japan’s position as one of the top economies of East Asia, a pride that the Japanese cannot afford to lose. This would lead to Japanese bitterness towards their counterparts and in turn sour relations, as political action would be swayed by the attitudes of its leaders.

Overall, the rise of China’s economy can either bring both parties together or separate them further apart. It is the Japanese attitude and acceptance of such a phenomenon that determines how relations between the two nations would turn out in the near future. China has made a great leap in trying to improve bilateral ties, now it is Japan’s turn once more.

over and out.

>> Attack on Iraqi Parliament Building

Al-Qaeda claims strike on ‘infidels’
(The Straits Times Saturday April 14 2007)

Earlier this week, an insurgent group with ties to Al-Qaeda carried out a suicide bombing operation against the temporary headquarters of the newly-established Iraqi parliament, claiming that it revealed inconsistencies in the statements made to the international community by the government about Baghdad’s security and that it was a move to improve their reputation. In protest, many lawmakers stood up to condemn the bombing. A state mourning has taken place soon after the sudden spike in insurgent attacks.

As the post-war situation progresses in Iraq, one can notice that the targets of radical Islamic insurgents are slowly transitioning from American troops to the local civilian population. This is indeed disturbing as the rebels fighting in the name of Islam are starting to kill fellow Muslims who are innocent. Within one day, 12 people have lost their lives to the insurgent attack. The irony is as such.

Instead of attacking fellow members of their religion, why not aid the local population in consolidating security in Iraq? This is a question that most radical Islamic movements in the nation fail to understand. It is widely known that their sole objective is to drive the Americans out of Iraqi soil; the use of brute force alone is useless in fulfilling this target for the sheer size and firepower of US forces outlast insurgent forces. The first step they should rightfully take would be to help stabilize the Iraqi situation. In doing so, the United States would have more confidence in Iraq having self-determination and increasingly allow the country to function on its own, resulting in an eventual total withdraw of US forces. In turn, accomplishing that very objective through peaceful means and promising progress as well.

Islam is a religion that advocates peace and unity among its believers. The very act of murdering others, let alone fellow Muslims, is a sin itself under Islamic Law. Moreover, killing innocent individuals in the name of Islam is wrong as well. It is best that the radical movements reflect on their ethical sense and actions for continuing such senseless violence would further plunge the world into anarchy and madness.

over and out.

Saluti.

The name's Shaun, just your ordinary kid.
Stuff I like to do would be laughing, hanging out with my friends, watching movies, and of course, playing rugby though i kinda suck at it . (:

I come from Swiss Cottage Secondary, and I spent my "first 3 months" in Pioneer Junior College, which sparked my interest in the sport mentioned above. I've enjoyed my time in that college and made many good buddies there, who still remain in contact till this very day.

A little something about me: I like warfare, I am random, I am rather english-oriented due to it being the sole language i speak at home, I suck at chiyuneeze and I'm a Scout Venture who tries to make individuals get their daily dose of laughter despite numerous failed attempts. (yeah, so sue me)

Lil' Shaun here intends to join the Armed Forces after his tertiary education. He believes that is a duty to serve the nation where one is born. However, he may be incompetent to the point that he shoots himself in the foot. But he's working on it.

Now, this is where hell lets loose:

When I stepped into Anderson Junior College's compound as a 'gate-crasher' during the PAE period, I was horrified at the state of facilities as compared to PJC, the extremely high frequency of 'mugging' at all corners of the school compound, and no rugby ):

I swore never to step into this school again.

Ironically, the JAE system posted me here; a very stark contrast from my dream school: Anglo-Chinese Junior College. I was devastated.

And here I am, having to endure the pain of ending up in a school i swore never to enter. Funny, isn't it?

and honestly, I didn't really enjoy Orientation 2, especially the cheers and dances. Eeeeeew..

Come to think of it, I find that AJC's image needs a change; it needs to be more lively. Many people label AJCians "muggers", and this should be able to change their mindsets. We must show them that we are balanced in all aspects, and I believe it is we students who can bring about this change.

Apologies for my brutal honesty.

If only the school were to be more pro-student and less restrictive. It seems to be the only JC I know which has been driving and forcing silly orders down our throats. Say, tucking in of PE shirts while in half uniform, don't you know we look silly when we do so? And of course, none of us are entirely willing to comply to that instruction, go ahead and ask anyone.

Moreover, which JC closes suggestions for new CCAs in two weeks? Honestly, NONE.

I am utterly disappointed with this move. No wonder AJC's CCAs are so limited.

Then again, after meeting my classmates in 34/07, I find that AJC's social aspect did not turn out to be as bad as i thought. So yeah, the students here may be quite interesting and fun.

Anyway, I hope to have a great year ahead with everyone. Hell yeah.

Here comes the boom. (: