Paralympics to Olympics

     Oscar Pistorius, despite his two prosthetic legs which reach from his knees down, will now not only be competing in the Paralympics, but the Olympics as well. Yet it is still being questioned by many Olympic viewers as to his advantages in the 400m and 4x400m relay races he will be competing in while representing South Africa.
     Not only is he lighter, unable to sprain an ankle, have tireless calf's, and considerably more spring in his step, but there have been tests run to compare him to the average runner. Pistorius's limbs use 25% less energy then a runner with fully natural legs, and it takes him 30% less mechanical work to lift his body. Both of these, combined with the points stated at the beginning of this paragraph, prove how big of an advantage he is given compared to other runners with complete limbs.
     I am not questioning his right to compete in Paralympics, but the unfair advantages he will have over the Olympic runners.

Lying or Fantasizing?

     *The following blog point is expressed from the views of a Canadian who does celebrate Christmas each December. This is not meant to be taken as an insult to anyone who does A) not celebrate Christmas or B) is unable to purchase gifts for children, it is simply meant to be an opinion piece on a common debate topic.*
     Each year, come December 24, many kids around the world get excited for the big day, Christmas, where both Santa and their parents bring exciting gifts and toys during the night. Many children are excited by the idea of the jolly man in the red and white suit with his seven reindeer coming through the chimney to deliver gifts. However, come a certain age, children begin to realise these gifts are just their parents giving Christmas a little bit of magic.
     The question often asked, however, is is it right to LIE to our children in telling them about Santa, Father Christmas, St. Nicholas, or any other names he may go by? We are told never to lie to our children, but to build trust and teach them the truth about the world. But is this a lie? Or is it just something to spur the imagination, add to the enchantment of Christmas day?
     I was raised with the belief of Santa Claus, and once I discovered the truth, I was not angry about the lie, but glad I got to experience it at the time. However, a friend of mine has told me that he will not be telling his child about Santa, because as a strong believer in the Christian faith, he doesn't wish for his boy to believe the Bible as just another story like Santa.
     I would like to express personally that I do not believe this can be quite classified as lying to children so much as giving them something to be excited about and imagine, however I would like your opinion also. Will you enlighten your kids to the Santa fantasy? Do you believe it is a lie that shouldn't be imposed upon our youth? Please let me know by commenting below.

Batman Premiere Gets Explosive

     As I'm sure many of you know, the morning of July 20, at 1 in the morning, a premiere of Batman's The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, Colorado, was disturbed minutes into the film in the ninth theatre by a series of bangs. These shots sounded much like the shooting and explosions proceeding in the high action film, and at first, viewers believed this to be the case. But when smoke screens were released into the theatre and the fire alarm set off, the audience rushed to the exit, intent on making their escape from the supposed "fire." That's when the shooting began. At the moment, 12 are reported dead, and 50 are injured. Included in this mass casualty report are a six year old girl, a one year old baby, and multiple teens.
     The lone wolf suspect, as it is believed now, was caught on his way out the back exit of the theatre moving towards his car. He was dressed all in black, wearing a bullet proof vest and gas mask, armed with a semi-automatic rifle, a shotgun, and two hand guns. His name has been released as James Holmes, age 24, living in an apartment in Colorado, who was a medical student at a local college, and it is being reported that his apartment was, not only filled with buckets of ammunititon, but booby trapped as well.The booby trap consists of "sophisticated" explosives. The suspect also declared that a bomb was set near or within the movie complex. His parents and family, currently at home in their house in San Diego (not including the father, who's current whereabouts are unknown), are asking for privacy. The suspect in currently under custody but no other news from this has been released at the moment.
     On a well established American news channel, know as Fox News, brought in a therapist who is known for his dealings with patients who have committed such acts. He believes that often the shooter has empathy problems that often are formed from traumatic experiences in their past that have destroyed empathy for both themselves and others. Either this, or they have some mental problems and may actually been psychotic. However, he does not believe that a man is just "evil", and would do this just out of cold blood. However, I disagree.
      The man in question was obviously not completely crazy, as he has attended a medical school for biology, lived on his own in an apartment, and had spent the time needed to have this horrific act planned. It would have taken many days to get the required weaponry, plant the booby trap, and plan his entrance into the theatre. I am under the belief that the man is evil, and had these cold, heartless intentions regardless of his past, though for the moment I cannot be certain. My question to you is if you believe that a man can just be evil and commit these acts on nothing else but pure darkness. Please comment, whether it is answering my question or commenting on your concerns or prayers for those who suffered from this violent act.

For further information, check out http://www.foxnews.com/


Just for an update on April 21, 2013:
   James Holmes has been in trial and recently attempted to plead guilty, however the plea was declined and the court has announced it intent for a death sentence.

The First Debate: Supporting our Troops

    One of humanities biggest wishes has once been world peace, but with each attempt we have at this, another disagreement arises to split the nations once more. However, war has also been the cause to alliances between countries, bringing their troops, their political leaders, and their people together under a common goal. Yet many people despise the idea of war, the death, the economical loss, and the destruction to land and personal property. War is people's oldest surviving traditions, but the beautiful tradition that comes with it is the united front that our loyal, dedicated, and determined soldiers and troops put up to honour their country and their people.

     It used to be a non-voluntary induction into the armed forces, then an honour to serve, where shame was given to any who backed down that were capable and legally able to join the front lines. Now, the honour of service remains, yet still many people who are not part of the brave troops shun the soldiers in face of their opinion on war. They say soldiers are violent, un-controlled people who want nothing but to kill and destroy. War, in their opinion, is both wasted money and wasted time.

     What they seem to decidedly ignore is the humanity in our soldiers, and their simple goal to serve their country as they best can and protect those less fortunate in the land wrought with battle. For those Americans, Canadians, and other people who know what I am talking about, I ask you about 9-11. The Twin Towers were bombed, destroyed, and innocent lives were lost. We responded with war, and still Americans and Canadians alike say we were looking for a war, a reason to fight. I now ask you to view a certain favourite of mine on YouTube, a song called Have you Forgotten? By: Darryl Worley. The link is listed here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6yLQRF-cEU

     The point of this post is to ask if you truly respect what the soldiers go through and what they do for both their country and people they have never even met, as well as to wonder if you truly understand both the implications and disasters compared to the meaning behind many wars, and the reasons our soldiers go to the front lines.

   

     I also would like to stress the need for programs like Wounded Warriors. They offer support, with the help of civilians donating money, around $14/month, to soldiers who receives both physical and mental wounds in battle while serving their country. So please, if you too want to help go to their website at www.woundedwarriors.com.

Anonymous?

     In order for my blog to have its fully desired effect, I have decided to do it anonymously. This it to prevent any forms of prejudice and to prevent personal opinion from interfering with the effect my words will have on you. I give you full permission and even wish you luck if you wish to try and discover who I am, however I do not believe it to be possible.

     I would like to explain the choice in my pseudonym, Arachidamia. Arachidamia was a Spartan Queen who, upon the men’s preparation to depart for war and request that the women run to safety, stood against. She gathered together a group of Spartan women willing to fight and went to the men’s leader, sword in hand, offering the help the women could offer. Together the two genders succeeded in building a defence trench and winning wars. I admire any powerful and defiant figures, especially the minority’s ability in times of need to rise to the challenge.

     But now, take my words as you will, and be sure you know your stuff if you want to argue. I have a few ideas of subjects that I wish to hear to debated, and possibly wish to debate with someone. I get a thrill from the passion in peoples words and the competition that comes from two knowledgeable opponents.
     If you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to continue a long ago debate, email me at arachidamiadebate@gmail.com. Welcome to my blog, and take the chance given to oppose or side with my personal and eager views.

-Arachidamia