Mental illness is a sad debilitating disease that brings even the most intelligent individuals to do unthinkable things. Othello Syndrome is a sad example of this, where extreme delusional jealousy engulfs and restricts not only how you live your life, but how others live as well. Debbi Wood and Othello share an extreme case of morbid jealousy. Debbi Wood may not have murdered her spouse, but she goes to extraordinary lengths to control and test his behavior through lie detector tests and television bans. Othello succumb to his jealous manipulations and brutally murdered his wife. He believed that she gave his special handkerchief away to another man and immediately became untrusting. Mental illness and Othello Syndrome are not to be treated lightly and require understanding, and constant care to start the rehabilitation process. 

The speech that resonated most with me was the speech Zach Wahls gave on gay marriage and his family. Not only was it delivered in an eloquent manner with implacable timing, but also the use of real emotion was evident. I found it very interesting because gay marriage is a very controversial issue in our current society. I support gay marriage and to witness such a well rounded individual portray his thoughts and emotions so clearly was inspiring. He is an educated, successful man who should not be judged on the sexual orientation of his parents. To think that he would be given any less opportunity to succeed then children from a hetero sexual family is sickening. In this situation basic human rights should apply. He’s a brave man who delivered a powerful, inspiring speech that should be recognized and appreciated.   

Russian Pair Garners Gold; Controversial Judging Keeps Canadians 2nd was an extremely helpful article for me because it included Canadian involvement. The fact that it was a very public controversial judging decision made at the Salk Lake City Olympics shows that the other Canadian judging discrepancies are far less public. It make me increasingly frustrated that competitors are not judged on their hard work and performance but are cheated by corporations. It’s a reality that needs to be changed. This has helped me with my extended research essay because since figure skating is one of the primary areas where judging controversy takes place I will include it in my paper and compare it to my other sources.    

Link: http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/ovic/NewsDetailsPage/NewsDetailsWindow?failOverType=&query=&prodId=OVIC&windowstate=normal&contentModules=&mode=view&displayGroupName=News&limiter=&currPage=&disableHighlighting=false&displayGroups=&sortBy=&source=&search_within_results=&action=e&catId=&activityType=&scanId=&documentId=GALE%7CA82785419

This was an informative article about why security continues to win out over privacy as it highlighted valid flaws in our governing system. I thought it was interesting how when people were asked if they would give up privacy in order to become more secure against the threat of terrorism, they readily agreed. This made the imbalance between privacy and security very evident. The flaws are that security and safety should not have the all or nothing philosophy. There should be a balance of protecting people and making them safer while still giving them privacy.  

 Skating scandal: why has judging become a long- running controversy was a very helpful article for me to read because it highlighted some of the major judging mistakes made in figure skating. It helped confirm my suspicion that judges are sometimes instructed by the heads of their federations to get the best result possible for their skaters. This will help me with my extended research essay as it has educated me about judging controversies in figure skating and I will include it in my paper.

Link: http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/ovic/NewsDetailsPage/NewsDetailsWindow?failOverType=&query=&prodId=OVIC&windowstate=normal&contentModules=&mode=view&displayGroupName=News&limiter=&currPage=&disableHighlighting=false&displayGroups=&sortBy=&source=&search_within_results=&action=e&catId=&activityType=&scanId=&documentId=GALE%7CA30091985

Stephen Fry’s blunt response to the acts of political discrimination in Russia are understandable and legitimate. His standpoint on the gay and lesbian discrimination is in no way an overreaction as it is completely fitting with the degree of the current situation. The comparison he drew to the holocaust shows Fry’s level of insight to where the Russian government is headed with the laws they have implemented. It is absolutely essential that the IOC take early action, and in the best case scenario boycott the Olympic Games. What happens when international athletes are discriminated against and abused, forcing them not to compete. That would be a world-wide outrage.

The current political situation in Russia has really resonated with me as I am an athlete who aspires to reach the Olympics one day. Growing up the the forward-minded Canadian society I am very accepting and open to homosexuality. Just the idea that people feel completely opposite to me I find upsetting and alien. I have always seen the Olympics as a joyful inclusive period of time where national pride is promoted and equality is expected. Gay athletes should not feel unsafe in the hosting Country as it is the Countries responsibility to make athletes feel welcome and appreciated. Fry’s open comparison to the holocaust made me uneasy as it really highlighted the prospect of history repeating it self. It would be tragic if even the slightest degree of Hitler’s regime was repeated. The IOC needs to take action for the safety of athletes and spectators alike to make the games the best they can be.