Cons of Human Cloning

If there was another "you" existing in the world and standing in front of you, how would you feel? Would you be friend to him/her? Or would you distinguish yourself as a better one? Cloning became a controversial topic since the first successful mammal, Dolly the sheep, was cloned in 1996. People speculated that human cloning was around the corner or it was possibly happening somewhere in the world. Human cloning is the creation of a genetically identical copy of a human. It is banned in many countries since it is considered as immoral and unethical in terms of the question of human right, value of the human life and rise of class distinction.



-Human Rights
Cloning could produce psychological distress and harm in the clone because the clone may feel that their life may already be laid out before them and have no choices. They will also face psychological problems and discrimination because of the press about their identity.
Actually, clones also have the right to live. Clones would have the same needs as non-clones of their species. It is unmoral to demand cloned humans to serve non-cloned humans as slaves.

-Value of Human Life
Human cloning would lessen the worth of individuals and diminish respect for human life. Human life would be seen as replaceable. If something happened to a person, like if he was killed, another clone could simply replace him. In fact, it would create a different child and could never replace the one that is lost.

-Class Distinction
It can prevent the transmission of genetic disease.
Imagine a new race of people that are docile with super strength yet low intelligence. Next, imagine how easily for this race to fall into slavery. Cloning humans should be for the advancement of mankind and not the lessening of individuals.
Human cloning might be used by commercial interests for financial gain. The embryos could be bought and sold, which would lead to class discrimination on the eggs available. Only the rich could afford the “best” children. Poor families would have to settle with eggs that are damaged or imperfect.

In short, human cloning violates the right and dignity of cloned human. It diminishes the value of human as people think human can be replaceable. It also raises the problem of class distinction as more intelligent people are more desirable. Some people might argue that it is acceptable to clone organs for medical purpose, but some people are also afraid that scientists will step onto a slippery slope that would inevitably lead to cloning human. As a result, human cloning should be strictly banned.

Pros of Human Cloning

If human cloning can be regulated appropriately, such as only allow to clone organs, the use of it will be beneficial to human being for medical purpose.

- Parents who have lost a child could have another baby

In 2002, a ten-year-old U.S. girl called Cady who was killed in a car crash. Her mother gave Dr Panos Zavos a blood sample taken from her daughter 26 hours after she died in order to fuse cow eggs with cells from corpses to create an animal-human hybrid. At the time, her mother said, "Cady was simply everything to me. If there is one chance in a billion that it would work, of course I want to do that. What I am doing is trying to give her biological presence in this world continuation." This is a mother expressing love for a daughter and trying to give her daughter life. 

-Medical breakthrough

We may learn how to switch cells on and off through cloning and thus be able to cure cancer. Scientists still do not know exactly how cells differentiate into specific kinds of tissue, nor they understand why cancerous cells lose their differentiation. Cloning, at long last, may be the key to understanding differentiation and cancer. 

We may be able to clone livers or kidneys for liver and kidneys transplants respectively.
Victims of terrible accidents that deform the face should now be able to have their features repaired with new, safer, technology.

- Good for infertile couples
With cloning, infertile couples could have children. Current infertility treatments are less than 10 percent successful. Couples go through physically and emotionally painful procedures for a small chance of having children. Many couples run out of time and money without successfully having children. Human cloning could make it possible for many more infertile couples to have children than ever before possible.

Figure 1. Somatic cell nuclear transfer. Here, a skin cell is removed from a patient. The nucleus of this cell is placed inside an enucleated oocyte and stimulated to divide. The resulting blastocyst can either be used to make embryonic stem cells, which are genetically identical to the donor, or they can be brought to term to create a genetically identical human being.

Just or More Than Sport?!

Sport is all forms of competitive physical activity which can be casual or organised participation, such as soccer, football, basketball and badminton. The essential part of sport is a means of exchange and understanding among people of various backgrounds, nationalities or beliefs, and promotes expression beyond traditional barriers. It is the fact that sport is not only for health benefits and instils the nature of team work, discipline and a competitive spirit, but also it can contribute to social cohesion, tolerance and integration.

Sport is like an universal language that can connect people from all over the world. For example, the World Cup is held every four years to bring different races together to bridge cultural gaps. No matter what factions people are in, they integrate to support their own countries. Moreover, Sport can contribute to economic development by creating additional sources of income including the manufacture of sporting goods and the hosting of sports events. People like to buy the same jersey as their favorite soccer players to show their support. The tourism revenue can be generated whenever a country hosts a worldwide event like the World Cup. People come from different part of the world to the host country to watch the matches and spend money there.

Even though sport is beneficial in many dimensions, it still has its dark sides. For instance, it can potentially give rise to violent and illegal activity or transactions that may not be in a community’s interest. such as violence between athletes or spectators, the use of performance enhancing drugs, or the bribery and ownership of clubs by individuals who are motivated by non-sporting factors.

Significance of Coinage and the Gold Standard

Nowadays, people are so accustomed to making payment with coins, paper bills, checks, credit cards or debit cards. Nevertheless, have you ever thought about how people traded in the past when coins had not even been invented? They used to barter things. However, sometimes it is hard to reach a consensus and build up trust between people. The appearance of coinage smoothed out the problems of trading. The value of the coins were guaranteed and people could rely on the stated value.

All coins were stamped the mint marks which indicated the credibility. Thus, stamped coins became the main currency when trading. People were more willing to do business in the place where the stamped coins were circulated. The place became wealthy due to lots of trade were brought in by people. As we always hear, money talks. When someone is rich, people are inclined to follow that person and want to take advantages of him. Power can always be gained by accumulating people as they can work for the rich ones. Political power is a typical example as rich people always have enough financial ability to do reformation.

The use of coins started the use of the gold standard for few centuries, but it was abolished later. Although it limits the inflation rate and fixes the exchange rate, it also has shortcomings. The unequal distribution of gold as a natural resource makes the gold standard much more advantageous in terms of cost and international economic empowerment for those countries that produce gold. Moreover, the total amount of gold in the world is limited and this amount is too small to serve as a monetary base. At last, following a gold standard would mean that the amount of money would be determined by the supply of gold, and hence it is hard to stabilize the economy in times of economic recession.

The Ethics of War and the Influence of Modern Refugees

Human beings have been fighting each other since prehistoric times, but it is still questionable to define if waging war is right or wrong. Although people have established some ethics of war to make it become a lesser evil, the irrefutable fact is that war involves deliberately killing or injuring people and even makes people become refugees. For example, the "Just War" Theory, has been established thousand years ago, attempts "to conceive of how the use of arms might be restrained, made more humane, and ultimately directed towards the aim of establishing lasting peace and justice". It has two sets of criteria which are "jus ad bellum", the right to go to war; and "jus in bello", the right conduct within war. Nevertheless, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced the latest figures of the number of refugees is 10.5 millions at the beginning of 2011 which means lots of refugees out there are still living in hardship, such as facing the problems of repatriation; local integration or resettlement.

Repatriation is the process of returning a person back to one's place of origin or citizenship. In this decade, however, it is often violent, compelled, and premature. Repatriation has become a battleground. UNHCR deemed that the search for durable solutions to refugee problems has undergone a transformation from a "reactive, exile-oriented and refugee specific approach" to a "proactive, homeland-oriented and holistic approach". For example, Rwandan refugees who were been denied a durable solution in exile formed an army in order to fight their way home. They militarized their camps and violently prevented voluntary repatriation of those they held hostage in Zaire and Tanzania.

Local integration is a complex and gradual process which helps refugees to integrate into the local community in order to offer them the opportunity of starting a new life. It is related to legal, economic, social and cultural dimensions and imposes considerable demands on both the individual and the receiving society. Brazil signed an agreement with Ecuador in 2010, it pledged to actively support the integration of the estimated 15,000 Colombian refugees in Sucumbios and to help their needy Ecuadorean neighbors. The Brazilian government is funding projects in the areas of education, sexual and gender-based violence, and water and sanitation infrastructure.

Resettlement is another durable solution for refugees to move from one location to another, usually with the intention that this move is permanent. Although it involves a number of difficulties, such as cultural transition, language barriers and discrimination, it provides refugees with legal and physical protection, including access to civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights similar to those enjoyed by nationals. It allows them to become naturalized citizens. Today, the United States is the world's top resettlement country as it allows for up to 70,000 – 91,000 refugees to enter for the past decade. Moreover, many refugee service programs focus on helping refugees find employment so that they can become self-sufficient.

Even though we do not have a huge world war nowadays, there are many so-called "conflicts" every year that lead to large amount of people who have to flee and become refugees. The durable solutions, such as repatriation; local integration or resettlement, can prevent them from being uprooted from their homes due to conflict or persecution anymore. Those solutions help them to have a new life in other countries.

Another Country You Would Choose to Come From - Holland

Holland refers to the whole of the Netherlands which located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders with Belgium, Germany and the United Kingdom. It is a parliamentary democracy organised as a unitary state. Total population is over 16.5 millions. The country capital is Amsterdam and the seat of government is The Hague. The Netherlands in its entirety is often referred to as Holland, although North and South Holland are actually only two of its twelve provinces.

1) Main Cities and Industries:
Main cities - Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht.

Industries - Three quarters of the professional population work in the tertiary sector, one quarter in the industrial sector and only 4 percent in agriculture. Despite these figure, the Netherlands are a big exporter of agricultural and horticultural products. Some big Dutch companies are: Shell, Unilever, Akzo Nobel, Philips, Aegon, ING Group, Rabobank, Heineken, TNT and Randstad.

2) Main Tourist attractions:
i. Canals of Amsterdam – the most beautiful and magnificent stretch of canal houses of Amsterdam; See 15 bridges in one canal trip
ii. The Mills of Kinderdijk - The 19 windmills are lined up in two opposite rows and form a spectacular sight
iii. Madurodam - Holland at its smallest - Madurodam is a park that resembles Holland in miniature size
iv. The Efteling – It has been World of Wonders for almost 60 years. The theme park started in 1952, with the opening of the Fairytale Forest.
v. The Heineken Experience - The former Heineken brewery is equipped with the latest multimedia to make you see, hear, smell, taste and enjoy Heineken.

3) Historical figures:
- Anna Frank, Jewish diarist during World War II 

- Vincent Van Gogh, (1853-1890), painter 

4) Main dish:
The Dutch don’t have a specific cuisine. You can find a regular meal of potatoes, vegetables and meat.

Typical dishes:
Stamppot: another winter dish with vegetables, potatoes and meat mashed together in one stew. There are varieties with kale, sauerkraut, onions, carrots, sausages and bacon. The final touch is an indentation in the middle of the stew that is filled with gravy.

Snert: pea soup with sausages; a winter dish to help you reenergize.

Poffertjes: a kind of mini pancakes, but thicker and sweeter. Often served with sugar and butter. This dish is especially popular with children.

5) Economy
The Netherlands is known as a politically stable country with a sound financial policy. The Netherlands is one of the most open economies in the world and is one of the world’s top 5 biggest exporters.

6) How are women treated?
There are less than 10 percent of women who are employed full-time. 62 percent of women working part time job that they don't have young children in the house.

7) Immigration policy
The Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst implements immigration policy including applications for residence permits, Dutch citizenship, visas and asylum requests. The official policy line is "strict but fair" and efforts are being made to speed up the processes involved. The website has extensive information in English, a Residence Wizard for checking specific circumstances and downloadable brochures and forms. You need to make an appointment and visit an IND desk personally to be interviewed or have a sticker put in your passport. If you have applied for a highly skilled migrant residence permit, this is not necessary but voluntary. To collect a permit you need to visit an IND desk in person.

8) Netherlands’ National Anthem
Wilhelmus van Nassouwe, usually known just as the Wilhelmus (English translation: the William), is the national anthem of the Netherlands and is the oldest national anthem in the world, though the words of the Japanese national anthem (not the music) date back to the ninth century. Although it was not recognized as the official national anthem until 1932, it has always been popular with parts of the Dutch population.

The Wilhelmus originated in the nation's struggle to achieve independence. It tells of Willem van Oranje (William of Orange), his life and why he is fighting against the King of Spain. As a result, the anthem is written in a first person perspective, as if it were sung by William himself.

The melody of the Wilhelmus originates from a French catholic soldiers' song titled "Autre chanson de la ville de Chartres assiégée par le prince de Condé" (English: "Another song about the city of Chartres under siege by the Prince de Condé"). This song dates to the Protestant siege of Chartres in 1568 during the French Wars of Religion.

The origins of the lyrics are uncertain. Soon after the anthem was finished it was said that either Philips van Marnix, a writer, statesman and former mayor of Antwerp, or Dirck Coornhert, a politician and theologian, wrote the lyrics. However, this is disputed as both Marnix and Coornhert never mentioned that they wrote the lyrics.

English translation of the original Dutch version. (non-melodious)

William of Nassau
am I, of Dutch blood.
Loyal to the fatherland
I will remain until I die.
A prince of Orange
am I, free and fearless.
The king of Spain
I have always honoured.

To live in fear of God
I have always attempted.
Because of this I was ousted
bereft of my land and my people.
But God will direct me
like a good instrument.
So that I may return
to my domain.

Hold on my subjects,
who are honest by nature.
God will not abandon you
even though you now are in despair.
He who tries to live piously,
must pray to God day and night,
that He will give me strength
that I may help you.

My life and fortune altogether
I have not spared you.
My brothers high in rank
have shown you this as well:
Count Adolf died
in battle in Frisia
His soul in eternal life
awaits the final judgement.

Noble and high-born,
of imperial descent,
Chosen a prince of the empire,
Like a pious Christian,
for the honoured word of God,
I have without hesitation
like a fearless hero,
ventured my own noble blood.


My shield and reliance
are you, o God my Lord.
It is you on whom I want to rely,
never leave me again.
[Grant] that I may remain brave,
your servant for always,
and [may] defeat the tyranny,
which pierces my heart.

From all those that burden me
and are my pursuers,
my God, do save
your loyal servant.
That they may not surprise me
with their wicked plans
nor wash their hands
in my innocent blood.

Like David, who was forced to flee
from Saul, the tyrant.
I had to sigh,
as did many other nobles.
But God raised him,
relieving him of despair,
and gave him a kingdom
very great in Israel.

After this sourness I will receive
from God my Lord the sweetness
For that longs so much
my noble mind
which is that I may die
with honour in the fields,
and gain an eternal realm
as a faithful hero.

Nothing makes me pity so much
in my adversity,
then that are seen to be impoverishing
the good lands of the King
That you are molested by the Spaniards,
O Noble Netherlands sweet,
when I think of that,
my noble heart bleeds.

Seated [on horseback] like a prince,
with my armed forces,
Defied by the tyrant,
I awaited the battle.
Those dugin at Maastricht
were afraid of my might
People saw my horsemen ride
bravely through the fields.

If it had been the Lord's will,
at the time,
I would have gladly relieved
you of this heavy tempest.
But the Lord above,
who rules all,
He who we should always praise,
did not desire so.

By a Christian mood was driven
My princely heart
Steadfast remained
my heart in adversity
To the Lord I prayed,
from the bottom of my heart,
that He may save my cause,
and proclaim my innocence.

Farewell, my poor sheep,
who are in deep despair.
Your shepherd will not sleep,
even though you are now dispersed.
Turn to God,
accept his curing word.
Live as a good Christian;
soon, it will be finished here .

I want to confess to God,
and to his great power
that I have never
despised the King.
except that to God the Lord,
the highest Majesty
I've been obedient
in justice.

Why is the Writing the Most Significant Human Invention in History?

We can know things that happened in every corner of the world because they were all recorded by writing, photographs and videos. Writing is the most important way to share ideas and to pass on important knowledge that people have learned. Now imagine if there had been no writing ever appearing in the world, what would have happened? There is a likelihood that people still have not civilized yet. By capturing ideas in physical form, writing allows us to travel across space and time without distortion.

According to the earliest writing evidence, Mesopotamia is the lead to invent writing and dates back to about 3300 BC. The picture on the top is the piece of clay contains some of the earliest writing in the world. The writing is in cuneiform like signs or symbols, but it records the daily beer rations for workers. It gives us a hint that the stuff of early writing is about money, laws, trade, employment. Moreover, people in Mesopotamia city were discovering how to use written records for all kinds of day-to-day administration, keeping large temples running or tracking the movement and storage of goods.

Writing is a great invention in history that helps preserving information into the future. As there is a limit to what you can do with the spoken word, writing plays a crucial role to express the complex thoughts, such as higher mathematics or philosophical argument. Meanwhile, it also creates new entities, such as money, corporations, governments and complex forms of society.