Second Monthly WikiLeaks Central Competition | US State Department Cable Analysis

THEME

The second monthly WikiLeaks Central Competition 2011 will focus on soliciting analysis of one or more of the US State Department cables released by WikiLeaks.

Submissions may use one or more of the cables released on the WikiLeaks Web site on or prior to 11:59 p.m. July 31, 2011.

All sources used must be clearly identified when they occur and include the name of the source, and, when available, a hypertext link to the source content. Citations of cables MUST use the cable's "REFERENCE ID" and a hyperlink to the source document.

HOW TO ENTER

1.) If you do not already have one, register for a WLC account.

2.) Send an email to admin@wlcentral.org with the header: Competition: TITLE OF ANALYSIS by WLC ACCOUNT NAME. Insert your essay into the body of the email.

3.) See submission guidelines and rules below.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES AND RULES

1. Eligibility/topics. The Monthly WLC Competition is open to (i) any registered member of wlcentral.org except editors and WLC essay competition judges. Regular WL Central contributors, who are not editors or judges, may enter.

a. Submissions must focus primarily on theme of the month and can be any length. Submissions must be text based (we prefer html) and emailed to admin@wlcentral.org.

b. WL Central will have the right to publish the submission without payment to the author but with attribution to the author under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Please clearly indicate that your material is for publication and indicate the name you would like to appear as author. Submissions are allowed one hyperlink under the name of the author.

c. Content, previously submitted to an earlier monthly WLC essay competition, may not be again for subsequent competitions.

d. Any quotations or copyrighted material used must be properly identified. Failure to identify non-original material will result in disqualification. Each registered wlcentral.org account may enter only one entry for this month's competition. The submission must have a title.

e. Submissions can be written in any language.

2. Selection of winners. The winning essay will be selected by WL Central's editors based on (i) newsworthiness; (ii) supporting research; and (iii) organization and writing style. (iv) We will consider the essay's capacity to engender online discourse in the form of comments and retweets. The competition finalists will be published on WLC prior to the final selection. The competition winner will be notified on or about August 15, 2011, and an announcement of the winner will be sent via email to the winning entrant shortly thereafter.

3. Prize. A cash prize will be awarded for the winning essay ($US 100 US). WL Central may, in its discretion, decide to split prizes or award additional prizes.

4. Deadline for submission. All essays submitted for the competition must be received by WL Central by no later than 11:59 p.m. GMT, July 31, 2011.

5. In the event that none of the submissions are judged to be of suitable merit or unforeseen technical difficulties, WLC retains the right to roll the award to the next month's competition prize.

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Social Hangouts: Facebook Video Chat For Up To 20

An alternative to the Google Hangouts feature on Google Plus was introduced in the form of Social Hangouts on Facebook, which enables video chatting with up to 20 friends without leaving the social network’s platform.

While Facebook and Skype teamed up to debut a video chat feature of their own, the developers of Social Hangouts say group videoconferencing isn’t part of the deal.

Readers, have you tried the third-party application Social Hangouts? What do you think of it?

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Star Plus TV Network and sponsors Amul India jointly cheat Pakistani winners of music show

| Pakistani joint winner of Amul Chote Ustad still awaits his prize money from Star Plus
| Indian partner of the winning duo gets fully paid while Pakistani joint winner still getting no response
| The fraud took place right in front of top Indian Showbiz personalities and TV audience of millions
| Distressed teen moves Pak government through attorney to seek justice from Indian TV Channel

If Pakistan and Indian Tennis duo has emerged as big success for both the countries in the world of Tennis, then at the same the experiment has not been of a very good taste for Pakistanis when it comes joint ventures with the Indians in the field of Showbiz and particularly the music, reveal the investigations of The Daily Mail.

These findings indicates that if in the past, the Indian lyricists and musicians have been stealing the compositions and lyrics of Pakistani counterparts then now the Indians have adopted a new technique of targeting Pakistanis and depriving them of their due rights. The latest example in this regard is that of a Pak-India joint music contest, organised by India’s Star Plus Television Network and sponsored by a top food company of India, Amul India, with an annual turn over of billions of rupees. The Joint music venture was titled Amul Chote Ustad, a Pak-India joint musical contest, held in 2010.

The Daily Mail’s investigations reveal that despite certain other controversies regarding the very said music show the biggest controversy took place right at the Grand Finale of the show that was held on 10 th October, 2010 at Shahji Raji Kareeda Sanku(Andheri Sports Complex) Andheri (W)Mumbai. In the Grande Finale, the duo comprising Rouhan Abbas of Pakistan and Akansha Sharma were declared the winners and thus were joint winners of the prize money of 20 million Indian Rupees to be equally distributed amongst them . Not only this but both were eligible to get another joint cash prize of Indian rupees 100,000, again to be distributed amongst both the winners.

The Daily Mail’s investigations indicate that the cheques of the winning amount were handed over to the winners at the climax of the Grand Finale. However soon after the show was over and the cameras went off air, the cheques were taken back by the Star Plus management, saying that there were some legal requirements to be fulfilled before the actual handing over of money to the winners.

The Daily Mail’s investigations indicate that after this, the Pakistani winner of the duo, 13 year Rauhan Abbas returned to Pakistan as his visa was expiring, assuming that the management of Star TV would soon deliver him his prize money. However, despite numerous reminders by him and his family, the Star Plus management neither gave any response to their quires nor did transferred his prize money. On the other hand, The Daily Mail’s investigations indicate, the Indian member of the winning duo, Akansha Sharma was soon paid all her share, amounting 1 million and fifty thousand Indian rupee while her Pakistani partner still struggles to get his share with no response from Star Plus and other responsible from amongst the sponsors etc.

The Daily Mail’s investigations indicate that the victim of Star Plus’s fraud has now moved Pakistan government through his attorney to get justice. It would be interesting to mention here that when The Daily Mail tried to contact Primary Press Contact person of Star Plus Ms.Vasudha Jha on her Cell Phone number +919833822406 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +919833822406 end_of_the_skype_highlighting as mentioned on Star Plus website, she refused to make any comment and instead disconnected the call and never received it again despite numerous attempts till the filing of this report. When contacted the victim Rouhan Abbas’s guardians, they said that Rouhan was very excited after making such an achievement and he and his family were very happy by the love and respect given by the Indian audience but this incident had ruined the excitement and happiness of Rouhan Abbas and his family and friends. They said they were very hopeful that with the efforts of their attorney and the officials concerned of government of Pakistan, Rouhan will soon get his deserving money through the organisers had promised to pay it within a maximum period of one month and that was in October 2010.

It is worth mentioning here that when the Star Plus management was getting indulged into this fraudulent activities, top personalities of Bollywood were present at the venue and millions of Indian TV audience were watching it on TV screen all over India and also in many other parts of the world. It appears that through this unscrupulous act, Star TV administration has not only cheated Rouhan Abbas but also the top Bollywood personalities as well as its viewers.

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Military Women In Combat

For years, we have been accustomed to women being part of our military, being deployed in dangerous zones, just as our young men are. During the 60's when young girls were considering to go into the various branches, it was believed that they would be clerks and nurses in safe, non-war zones. Throughout the years, women going to war has been and continues to be a hot topic. The main subject of the debate has been should women go to combat. However, our history shows a different story about women and war.

From 1775-1783, women traveled with soldiers during the American Revolution working as nurses, cooks, and laundresses.

Mary Marshall and Mary Allen, during the War of 1812, were nurses on the ship "United States" under Commodore Stephen Decatur.

First Female Soldiers

The first female soldier, although under false pretenses, served in the Mexican War (1846-1848). Elizabeth Newcom enlisted in Company D of the Missouri Volunteer Infantry. After marching for over 600 miles, in Pueblo, Colorado, infantryman Bill Newcomb, was discovered to be, in reality, Elizabeth Newcomb, and was discharged upon the discovery that Bill Newcomb was a female.

During the Civil War (1861-1865), not only did women work taking care of the wounded, women from the south and the north, disguised themselves as men, and enlisted in the army on both sides. Dr. Mary Walker was the first woman to ever receive the Medal of Honor.

20 nurses died during the Spanish American War in 1898. They died taking care of those who had contracted the highly contagious diseases of malaria, yellow fever, and typhoid. Dr. Anita Newcomb McGee was the first woman to be appointed as Assistant Surgeon General. Dr. Newcomb also wrote the legislation for a Permanent Corps of Nurses. In 1901, the first corp of nurses, which was the Army Nurse Corps was established. In 1908, the Navy Nurse Corps was born.

Women P.O.W.'s

During World War I (1917-1918), over 400 nurses died from the Spanish Flu epidemic.

Over 21,480 female, army nurses were deployed overseas, as well as in the U.S.A. 18 African American Army nurses were deployed stateside to care for the German P.O.W's and the injured African American male soldiers.

233 females were trained by the Army to work on the front, in France, as bilingual telephone operators.

11,880 female Yeomen were stationed stateside.

1476 Navy nurses worked caring for soldiers in various military hospitals.

The U.S. Marines trained 305 female reservists as telephone operators, and clerks on the homefront which relieved the men who were going off to the battlefield.

Although women did not receive the same treatment as male officers, the Army Reorganization Act of 1920 allowed female military personnel to receive office status.

During the years of 1941-1945, World War II, 60, 000 nurses served at home and overseas. We often hear stories of the POW's. One fact that is not well-known, is that in 1942, 67 females nurses were captured by the Japanese and held as P.O.W.'s for over 2 years. For 5 months, 5 Navy nurses were captured at Guam, and held as P.O.W.'s. 11 other Navy nurses were held for 37 months, as P.O.W.'s when captured by the Japanese on the Philippine islands.

Branches of Women In The Military

The first group of women in the military was known as the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps or The WAAC. In 1943, the WAAC was changed to what is known today as the Women's Army Corp or WAC'S. More than 1500,000 women served their country in World War II.

Military women were more than nurses, or cooks, or telephone operators. Women also served as ferriers, test pilots, civil service pilots, and as anti-aircraft artillery trainers in the Air Force, known as WASP's or Women's Air Force Service Pilots.

Over 400, 000 military women, during World War II, served their country, at home and overseas, on noncombat missions.

The Navy Women's Reserve also known as the WAVES, had over 80,000 women who worked as nurses, clerks, in administration and who also gathered intelligence.

The Marine Corp Women's Reserve also did their part, working along their peers, taking care of things at home, filling important positions, while our young men went off to war.

During the Korean War from 1950-1953, more than 500 military nurses were in the combat zone alone. Others performed their duties in various Japanese hospitals.

Deaths

Army: In 1950, an Army nurse died in a place crash, while heading for Korea.

Navy: 11 Navy nurses died at the Marshall Islands in a plane crash

Air Force: 3 nurses died, while on duty, in a plane crash.

Between 1955-1965 males were accepted to the Nurse Corps.

The Marine Corp appointed the first female as an attache', who was the first to serve under hostile fire.

Vietnam War: 1965-1975

Over 7000 women served as nurses. Army nurses served well under enemy fire at military style MASH units.

Deaths

While serving in the Air Force, a flight nurse on the C-5A Galaxy transport died on take-off, while transporting Vietnamese orphans. There were at least six more military women who died in the line of duty.

As the story continues, so does the debate as to whether women should enter into combat or not, which according to history, appears to be a mute point.

Linda Smith
A freelance writer as well as an advocate for the disabled and the rights of the disabled.
http:www.michaelmyhero.com

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The Effects of War on the Families of Soldiers

"I'm just trying to be a father, raise a daughter and a son, be a lover to their mother, everything to everyone...yeah, I'm real good under pressure being all that I can be...I just work straight through the holidays, and sometimes all night long...'cause freedom don't come free.. I'm an American, an American Soldier." - Toby Keith, excerpts from his song, "American Soldier."

When the soldier receives his or her orders for going to war, this not only impacts the warrior, but also, the family. As a military spouse, the partner must prepare for being apart from his or her soldier for long periods of time. If the couple has children, care must be taken to ensure the family understands that "daddy" or "mommy" is coming back home after war.

Quite often, it is more up to spouse of the deployed, than anyone else in the family, as to how well the family unit will adjust during the soldier's deployment period. It is vital for the soldier to believe he or she has 100% trust and support from their spouse (assuming he or she is married) before, during, and after deployment.

The following are four suggestions for the spouse to make the complete deployment easier for the soldier and the family:

(1). Maintain the same routines (in life, at home, work, or school) before, during, and after deployment as closely as possible. This is what your soldier is used to, your children are used to, and this provides the soldier comfort knowing all is status quo.

(2). Once the soldier has deployed, join a support group with others, reach out to family members or trusted friends, and just talk about your feelings. There will be some difficult days, but always know people care.

(3). Keep your cell phone on 24/7. There are times the soldier stands in a line and waits three hours just to hear your voice. Things we take for granted every day, are important to a soldier who has a spouse. Keep yourself available for those calls, Skype, and the internet as often as possible. What he or she wants to hear from you are normal, everyday activities. This is comforting to the one who is at war.

(4). Make no major life changes and by no means, vacant the deployment post. The soldier needs to know their spouse is waiting for them during R&R. Again, the soldier needs to be assured the family is right there waiting his or her return.

When the soldier returns from war, there will be an adjustment period for the entire family. If the soldier is married, the spouse has had to maintain the household during the entire deployment period. This has become the norm. The following are four suggestions for a smooth transition for families when the soldier returns from war:

(1). Understand it may take time for sharing of household duties, such as bill-paying, putting children to bed, preparing dinner, and simple things, such as grocery shopping. Your soldier has been fighting a war and has not been doing any of these "normal" things.

(2). Psychologically, your soldier may need counseling or therapy. Your family may also need help in recognizing some of the symptoms from battling in war so you can help cope with your loved one. Furthermore, the family members may need support, either through reading, therapy, or talking with the VA, about how to handle the issues that may arise from their soldier who has endured war and come back home. There are things that should be said and things that should never be said to a warrior, even when that person is your spouse. Education is the key.

(3). Give the soldier space. There is no set time limit on how soon a soldier can reintegrate back into anormal everyday routine, even at home. Your partner may want to make love with you every night for two weeks straight, and then not want intimacy for the next month. Try to remember there may be flashbacks, or numbing, especially if they have been in active combat zones, and what used to be "normal" for you as a couple or family, may take time to be "normal" once again.

(4). Possibly, the most difficult adjustment for the family when the soldier returns from war is the social aspect. If your family is used to attending church services every Sunday, the soldier may not wish to go immediately. If the company you work for is hosting a large company party, your soldier might not want to attend that. If it is normal for you to go to the mall with your children, this may make the soldier uncomfortable, especially if there are crowds. Even going to a bowling alley, movie theater, or things we consider to be "normal" may make your soldier feel uncomfortable at first. Please remember to give your partner some time to readjust to social settings. The soldier is trained to scan people in crowds, look for differences, and notice what we would never notice. The social aspect of reintegration back into society is one many would rarely think of.

I personally, have never been a military spouse or even been in the military. Nonetheless, I have counseled many military wives and numerous soldiers and understand the conflicts faced during war. War is war. There is no need for the home to be a battlefield, also.

With these suggestions, a lot of love, and a little bit of work, the families not only can survive the consequences of war, they can become a more closely knit entity than they were before. It does take work, but who ever said being in the military was easy?

Gayle Joplin Hall, PhD is The Happiness Life Coach™, Author, Keynote Speaker and Expert in DV, PTSD, Crisis Analysis and Behavior Consultation. She is President and Founder of Dr. Hall on Call™ and offers online, phone, and in-person coaching sessions. Sign up for the Weekly Happiness Thought and register for special promotions. To schedule your "Hall-Call" contact Dr. Gayle so she can help you discover your bliss and passion. Grab your complimentary downloadable MP3 recorded interview, jam-packed full of ideas to help you create happiness by visiting http://www.drhalloncall.com/free-audio today!

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Is the World Getting Worse?

Is the world getting worse? Are things going to hell in a handbasket? Here's what Socrates thought in 400B.C.

‎"The children now love luxury. They have bad manners, contempt for authority, they show disrespect to their elders.... They no longer rise when elders enter the room. They contradict their parents, chatter before company, gobble up dainties at the table, cross their legs, and are tyrants over their teachers."

"The young people of today think of nothing but themselves. They have no reverence for parents or old age. They are impatient of all restraint. They talk as if they alone knew everything and what passes for wisdom with us is foolishness with them. As for girls, they are forward, immodest and unwomanly in speech, behaviour and dress."

People are how they've always been. We haven't changed one bit. There are those of us that accept this as the natural way of things... and then there are the alarmists who are so afraid of the world itself that they want to shelter themselves from it and create an artificial world view that has never and can never be realized. As a student of history, the world becomes much clearer when everything can be seen in perspective. Nothing ever changes...

I'd be willing to bet the average person in ancient Egypt, Sumeria, Napoleonic France, the American Old West, and Chin Dynasty China would all recognize the same humor, tell the same jokes we still tell today, have the same day to day problems in their marriages, and hope for the same things in life. Even the gladiatorial games in Rome can still be felt today at an American football match. As much as people want to paint the past as somehow better than the present, it just isn't true. The myth of the "Greatest Generation" that returned home from WWII being the leading culprit in this interpretation of history, we all long for a bygone era but in truth, people are people.

With a constantly rising population, and news channels still stuck in a 24 hour time cycle, more and more only the bad news is reported because there's more of it. The ratio is always the same though. If there is one person murdered per 10,000 people, there are 100,000 per billion. And it all needs to be reported sadly. No, the world isn't getting any worse, it's just becoming more populated and our methods of keeping ourselves informed are creating an illusion that creates fear. Yes, in the 50s people generally didn't lock their doors and trusted their neighbor. But when all you hear about is crime and murder, it does seem like today is worse than yesterday, doesn't it... even though yesterday was exactly the same as today...

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