The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

One day, I happened to see a picture of a person pouring a bucket full of water on himself, on a footpath with people around him cheering loudly. The lines next to the picture read, “The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge”. This pic was taken somewhere in the US. I just smiled and moved to a different story, thinking, there is no dearth of crazy people in this world. Next day, I happen to see a similar picture in the newspaper of a different individual, in a different city, in a different country. This gentleman was drenching himself with ice water and people around him were clapping and cheering him. The title next to this picture read, “The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge”. Now this surprised me a bit, as I was seeing the same phenomena, out again at a different location. I thought of it as trivial and moved my attention elsewhere. While browsing the net the other day, I happened to see the same spectacle, where some of the Indian film stars were pouring ice cold water and getting drenched, some of the fellow stars applauding their bravado. This time I really took notice of it and delved more to understand this epidemic of sorts.

These audacious actions were actually performed, to generate funds for the research of a dreadful disease, which was an unknown entity so far. This disease is known as ALS or Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Its is also referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease" It is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. This can render the affected person severely paralyzed for life. I have closely seen its impact on one of my family member who finally succumbed to this deadly disease. It becomes imperative to let the world know about it, and to generate funds to carry out research, to help get a cure for this otherwise unknown disease. What is striking is, the novel way of letting people know about it and in turn generate funds for its research. No doubt, it has been a successful campaign so far and would continue in longer run. This innovative way of bringing to attention a serious health hazard in a funny way is worth applauding. It had a cascading effect, and more and more people around the world are participating in the challenge, and doing their bit for a noble cause. This has already brought in lots of funds, with the help of donations people have made.

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge - Generating Funds

 There have been many such campaigns for various causes in the past. The campaign run by many, for the ethical treatment of animals (PETA) worldwide caught everyone’s attention, more so because of the way it was campaigned. Models, working women, young and old, stripped to bare minimum to announce we would prefer going naked but not use fur or garments made from fur. They wanted to bring to the fore, the way animals worldwide were being slaughtered for their fur for making clothes. Some even caged themselves to show the plight of animals in captivity. Their way to shock, to get attention paid rich dividends and their cause got a voice which could not go unheard. There have been many instances in the past, wherein people have used unheard and unusual ways to have their voices heard. In the recent past in Kerala, India some women lawyers stripped to highlight the rape cases across India. They stood in the middle of the road, with passersby visibly shocked to see this audacious move by these women. There have been many such cases across the world where people have taken to unconventional or rather bold ways to bring to notice the issues faced by many. Whether all the campaigns succeed or not are debatable, but one thing is for sure, they do bring in a lot of awareness among the people, which is good.

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, following the unconventional way of promoting issues, has garnered huge support worldwide. Looking at the support it can be said, it has been a successful campaign so far. Hat’s off to these mavericks that come up with such innovative ideas to highlight serious issues in a lighter way. My best wishes to the campaign. Its time to head for a Ice Bucket Challenge, here I gooooo, and YOU?

Please note: Regions with extreme scarcity of water, do not practice it, instead you can make donations to the cause as per your capacity. 

Scottish Independence

United Kingdom is on a verge of disintegrating, with Scotland trying to de-couple itself from the union of 307 long years. 18^th September would be a deciding day to know if Scotland stays as part of United Kingdom or creates its own identity as an independent country. United Kingdom comprising of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have a tremendous geopolitical influence and this has benefited the members immensely. England being the prominent member of this union has a major say in matters close to home and in world as well. This, to some extent has clipped the wings of the other members who would like to have their own identity and be governed by their very own people. To the outer world, the culture and tradition of England seems to be the same for its other members, but that’s not true. The Welsh, the Scots have their very own distinctive culture, tradition which they are very proud of. They are also very proud of their language which is not really English. I have known people who when asked about their nationality, they proudly declare as Welsh or Scot. Scotland in a matter of days would be attempting to declare it free and carve a niche in the world with an independent identity. The Scottish independence referendum as it is called would be put to test in matter of days. Scottish independence has many pros and cons which would be instrumental in decision making.

Scottish Identity

Since last few weeks, when the % of voters saying “Yes” exceeded the “Nay Sayers”, there have been frantic parleys from the “Ten Downing Street” to appease the Scots to stay with the UK, also enticing them with greater privileges in making their own decisions etc. David Cameron the English PM made an earnest request to the people of Scotland to not break away from the UK which is our home, while he said this he had tears in his eyes. The opposition parties in the English Parliament, joined in with Cameron, requesting Scotland to remain part of the UK, for that will ensure better future for them. This emotional address by Cameron to the Scots also has other ulterior motives, is what can be made out of it. This disintegration of Scotland from UK would also cost him his post and he might be pressurized to leave the “Ten Downing Street”, to add to that, the ignominy of being the PM of England when this happened. This would be a great blow to his achievements so far.

So far it has been a mixed reaction from many of the popular Scots. The most recognized face of the Scots, Sir Sean Connery thinks Independence is what he wishes to see in his lifetime and it is getting closer. Gerard Butler, the other famous Scot thinks, there is no reason why Scotland can’t be independent, and this is the right time to make it happen. While as other Scots like Andy Murray, Sir Alex Ferguson think Scotland should remain part of the UK, other celebrities from the UK, the famous J K Rowling echoes the same sentiments as Alex Ferguson. Many of them view independence from a very emotional angle while the Nay Sayers who are from Scotland say, being practical is what should matter and not otherwise. They consider themselves proud Scots but would love to be part of UK, for it can give them a better future. Thus the Scottish independence debate goes on.

Pro-Independence supporter Sir Sean Connery

A miniscule percentage of immigrants to the Scotland prefer “Yes”. They have their own reasoning to go for the independence. According to them, being part of the UK, the immigration policy is very stringent and this would not help immigrants like them. Others, who are pro-independence think, being independent will be good for their business and they would prosper. The Scottish independence odds are many. The flip side to “Yes” is, they would lose the power which comes from being part of the UK, and they would also be out of EU and NATO. Many prominent banks like RBS and Halifax which are part of "Lloyds Banking Group" have threatened to move out of Scotland if they secede. What currency they would opt for, if they separate, is a big question. There are many such issues in front of them on separation.

Taking a cue from Scotland, many other countries would get a boost to their respective separatist’s movements. Since long, Catalan wanted to separate itself from Spain. Flanders the Dutch speaking region of Belgium would like to break free from Belgium which has the other prominent region called Walloon which is predominantly French, and they say they have nothing in common with the other Belgians. In Canada, the French region of Quebec had for long wished to separate from Canada and have their identity as French speaking country. There are many such cases across the world, and the people are watching very closely the developments in Scotland. As the voting date approaches, the Yes and No percentage is fluctuating, and both are having an upper hand, but only for a brief period. The result will be out this week on 18^th Sep, and many hearts will be broken for sure. While I read about the entire hullabaloo in the media, one line from a song, sung by Queen (Freddie Mercury) comes to mind, “I want to break free….”

 

The most popular song with majority of Scots nowadays

James Foley Murdered Whose Foll(e)y ?

The world saw a hapless individual getting murdered on camera. The news of "James Foley Beheaded", "James Foley Beheaded video" went viral and shocked the netizens world over. His throat slit by a fanatic, avenging America’s miss-adventure in Iraq and Syria. This chilling video brought back the harsh memories of Daniel Pearl being murdered in similar fashion in Pakistan. James Foley and Daniel Pearl both American journalists had to pay the price for being an American. The recent killing of James Foley, somewhere in Syria by this fanatic named “John the Jailor” shocked millions around the world. This cold blooded and audacious murder very clearly shows the intent of the IS militants. They are not going to get bogged down by US Hegemony and would retaliate with vengeance wherever possible, on American soil or elsewhere. They have already warned the US to back off from Iraq and Syria, or they would have to pay a heavy price for their transgression.

James Foley being killed

James Foley who has left for heavenly abode or for that matter to the hell for the IS perpetrators, was a mere photo journalist. His biggest mistake was, he was at a wrong place at wrong time and an American citizen. Americans, since long are a detested lot in the Middle East and other regions because of their involvement in their countries, either supporting the government against the militants or supporting the militants fighting against the government. The current story in Iraq and Syria is no different, with Americans increasing the offensive against the IS militants, who are on a rampage killing Muslims, Christians and other minority groups. This has resulted in mass exodus and pandemonium in these countries. Now the question is who is at fault, the IS militants fighting against the government who are Shias or the Americans who are extending their hand to the ruling Shia government? It doesn’t matter who was responsible for this folly, as the victim was an innocent man who had nothing to do with the war except for reporting it to the world. There might be many such journalists, peace keepers, aid workers in the clutches of the IS militants counting their days. They are being used as a bait to bring the American government to their knees and force them to accept their unrealistic demands. Americans have shown no sign of giving into their demands, and this make the situation grim and life threatening for the captives. At the same time the situation is increasingly getting volatile and out of gear for anybody to bring it under control. It’s very easy to point fingers, but the issue is too complex for a common man to comprehend sitting at home and pass judgments, having said that, in no way the barbaric act of slaying the American journalist is justified. In all unison it needs to be condemned and severely punished. The million dollar question is how to stop this carnage or to not allow it to proliferate.

 

Captives paraded before killing then

A new conundrum has risen which can cascade to unprecedented levels if not dealt immediately, and it is, Jihadi’s from all over are traveling to Iraq & Syria to support the IS militants. Many brain washed youths from India, UK, America, Europe are lending their helping hand to the IS militants. Recent deaths in Iraq brought this to everyone’s notice. John the Jailor hails from UK and is now the most dreaded terrorist on a run. Women are not to be left behind and they are doing their bit in supporting the militancy. Unfortunately only the Almighty knows where this is all going to lead to.

Women Jihadi's

Peace can be brokered, only if the participants don’t jump the gun and are ready to compromise. This is a tough task to achieve but that’s the only option left to prevent these countries from becoming ghosts towns with death and misery prevailing. In turn I am afraid another 9/11 is a possibility, with the militants having declared, that many of their men have already sneaked into the US to carry out their sinister plans. This would lead to a catastrophe resulting in severe repercussions around the world. Now, who extends the olive branch first is to be seen, or otherwise get ready to witness gory murders, genocides, mass exodus, pain and misery which would prevail for years and generations to come.

 

If James Foley's killing was not enough, another US journalist named Steven Sotloff has been killed by the IS men. Are innocuous journalists, especially American, the bête noir for the IS perpetrators ?

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