Media freedom differs from one country to another. People in some countries do not have the same level of access to independent information and methods that their leaders use to suppress news reports as much as people from other countries do. The most censored countries in the world exhibit patterns that are reflective of media censorship and those patterns include one-man shows, use of orchestrated lies, zero tolerance for negative coverage, and cynical disregard for the welfare of their people. The level of censorship of a country depends on the control of its state over all media, the existence of formal censorship regulations, the imprisonment or harassment that happen among journalists, the extent to which foreign news broadcasts are jammed, restrictions on private internet access and even the use of state violence. Here is a list of the ten countries with strictestmedia censorship:

10. Belarus

Photo Source: http://www.cpj.org/

Almost all of the broadcast and print outlets in Belarus are government owned. As a result, these media outlets are very effusive in their praises of the Belarus President, Aleksandr Lukashenko. Most independent radio and television stations in this country get rid of politically sensitive subjects to avoid possible clashes with the president. The government of Belarus is also in the practice of shuttering independent newspapers that go against Lukashenko. The allies of the president pressure state printing houses not to print newspapers that are critical of the government. Owners of publishing companies that openly criticize the president are imprisoned for up to five years. Thecensorship of media is highly implemented in all areas in this country.

9. Syria

Photo Source: http://www.aljazeera.com/

The Media censorship in Syria are under the control and influence of the state. Most newspaper and broadcast outlets in this country are under the hands of regime loyalists and are thus prohibited from disseminating any report with political content. Private and party owners that circulate mild criticisms against the government or any of its policies are powerless because they are whitewashed by government-owned media outlets. Critics of the government are harassed through arrests or warnings, so majority of broadcasters tend to be unwaveringly and vocally supportive of the government regime.

8. Uzbekistan

Photo Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/

When Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov was elected in 1991, he re-established the Sovite-style dictatorship in Uzbekistan. This type of dictatorship is characterized by brutal intimidation to suppress human rights activists, journalists, or anyone who opposes the government. The president of this country implements an informal system of state censorship in his aim to stop the domestic media from disseminating any information that goes against him or his governance, such as police torture and poverty. He is also widely recognized as the number one jailer of journalists because of the great number of media men that he put behind bars that makes it as one of the most censored countries in the world today.

7. Cuba

Photo Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/

Led by President Fidel Castro, Cuba is a one-party state that owns and controls all media outlets and prohibits its people from gaining access to the Internet. The constitution of this government allows the Communist Party to control the press, believing that freedom of speech and the press should always be in accordance with the goals of the socialist society where censorship and media are inseparable. News in this country is only circulated in four government-owned television channels, two news agencies and several radio stations. The three major newspapers of Cuba are also wholly owned by the government, so they only reflect and represent the views of the Communist Party. This country is also known as one of the major jailers of journalists. Through the years, it has detained, harassed and threatened several journalists with prosecution and barred them from talking of anything that criticizes the Cuban government in any way.

6. Eritrea

Photo Source: http://www.globalpost.com/

Led by Isais Afewerki, this country is the only African country that has not even a single private media outlet. All of the media outlets in this country are owned by the government and are severely monitored by authorities. The repressive policies of the Eritrean government have left Eritrea largely hidden from the international press since Afewerki had covered up the independent press, barring locals from gaining access to independent information where they are also implementing the internet censorship. In this nation, only the privileged ones have access to the Internet. Also, local journalists who release information that hurt the government are held incommunicado while they are locked in detention centers.

5. Libya

Photo Source: http://magharebia.com/

Throughout the Arab world, Libya is the country that has the most tightly controlled media. This country has been led by Colonel Muammar Qaddafi since 1969 and retains a government that upholds anachronism. The Libyan government controls both the print and broadcast media so they do not release news reports that are critical of Qaddafi and his governance. Though internet access is not prohibited in this country, the government has control over sites that promote politics to ensure that none of them releases undesirable facts and opinions about the government especiallyspeech on the internet. People who post anything that is critical of the government are either imprisoned or killed.

4. Equatorial Guinea

Photo Source: http://pulitzercenter.org/

Equatorial Guinea is a country that does not tolerate criticism of the brutal regime of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, the leader of the country who has been in office since a coup in 1979. Like in other censored countries, all broadcast media in Equatorial Guinea are also owned by the state. The only private radio and television in the country, RTV-Asonga, is owned by the presidential son. There are several private newspapers circulating in Guinea but these newspapers rarely publish factual information because journalists are being pressured by the government not to publish anything that may hurt the government as part of the implementation of media censorship.

3. Turkmenistan

Photo Source: http://www.rferl.org/

The government of Turkmenistan led by Saparmurat Atayevich Niyazov owns all domestic media in the country. Before releasing news reports, the administration of Niyazov filters out their content to make sure that they are pro-government. It is also the president of the state that appoints the editors in every media outlet and approves the content of the front page of every major dailies, ensuring that each of them has a prominent picture of him. He also ordered the closing down of all libraries in the country except for the one that keeps his books as the rigid implementation ofcensorship of media in all areas. The state television also displays a golden profile of the president at the bottom of the screen, highlighting his strengths more than necessary.

2.  Burma

Photo Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

Burma is led by a military junta known as the State Peace and Development Council. This group owns all the daily newspapers, radio and television channels in the country. Media in Burma are not allowed to report any antigovernment sentiments. Even citizens who listen to the BBC or Radio Free Asia in public are arrested for outward display of government opposition. Bagan Cybertech, the major Internet service and satellite-feed provider of Burma, is also controlled by the junta.

1. North Korea

Photo Source: http://www.adnkronos.com/IGN/News/

North Korea is the only country known to create the deepest information void in the world because of its strictness in media censorship. In this country, all domestic radio, television, and newspapers are controlled by the government so no anti-government sentiment is allowed to circulate. Even radio and television receivers are restricted to frequencies that are allowed by the government. These stations disseminate information that is wholly supplied by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), which is also controlled by the North Korean Government. Economic problems such as poverty and famines are also never mentioned in news reports since they are believed to reflect the weakness of the government. 

Elections are the hallmark of democracy and they determine the people’s aspirations about their rulers. However, in case of Pakistan, elections were not always up to the desired standards.

That’s why the elections of 2013 are of great importance because it is for the first time that a smooth power transfer is going to take place and in conformity with the constitutional injunctions. And, above all, the political parties seem mature in their approach towards the nation. Role of PML-N and PTI as the major opposition parties is going to be significant.

Elections are the backbone of democratic societies and are representative of citizens’ opinion about their rulers. In countries like Pakistan, the elections’ history is not too pleasant and we have seen bloodshed, application of corrupt practices and, above all, non-credibility. After the fall of President Musharaf, the true democratic process has been taking roots in the Pakistan. After the Bhutto’s regime, the government of Pakistan People’s Party is the first who has completed its tenure without premature fatal interception by non-politicalforces.

The role of other political parties has also been in line with democratic norms and values. PML-N and PTI emerged as the leading political parties on the spectrum. This strong opposition, although not in coalition, can be regarded as the reason which kept the federal and provincial governments alert and functional. And it was only after the completion of the constitutional that the Government was dissolved on 16th of March. The onus is now on the Independent Election Commission of Pakistan to strengthen the democratic values and complement the democratic process through execution of the election process in a most credible manner.

The first and foremost challenge to the coming elections is the deteriorating law and order condition of the country. Justice Fakhruddin Ibrahim, the Chief Election Commissioner,is  himself reported to have said that the worsening situation of the law and order of the country is posing serious threats to the coming elections. This is one of the reasons that he paid visit to Karachi with the DG Rangers and senior police officials. PML-N, PPP and PTI seem major stake holders in the coming elections. The issue of caretaker Prime Minister has been resolved and soon we will be having a small caretaker cabinet at the centre.As for the political progress,noticeable is the rising stature of  PTI-Imran Khan that is likely to pose a  formidable challenge to the status-quo of the Pakistani politics.

Another potential threat to the democratic process of elections is the making and completion of the voter’s list. Last time, there were more than 30 million votes which are reported to have been fake. In this regard, the Supreme Court has ordered to make new voters’ list which will be according to the judgment of Supreme Court. This time, according to orders of Apex court, due attention has been given to the making to voters’ lists. On Tuesday, ECP has announced that the 84 million voters have been registered.

This time, the number of female voters has also increased to 36,591,359. The new challenge which is faced by the ECP is that the increased number of voters and foreign observers’ presence on the election polls would be a great pressure on the interim government holding the elections 2013. Date of the ECP reported break up of voters as: Punjab 48,308,644, Sindh 18,432,877, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 12,064,597, Balochistan 3,278,164, FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas) 1,675,967 and Islamabad Capital Territory 604,802.
The respective number of males and female voters in each provinces: Punjab 27,297,361 (male) and 21,011,283 (female), Sindh 10,214,460 (male) and 8,218,417 (female), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 6,929,105 (male) and 5,135,492 (female), Balochistan 1,886,235 (male) and 1,391,929 (female), FATA 1,120,736 (male) and 55,523 (female) and Islamabad 325,795 (male) 279,007 (female).

Election campaign budget limitations are also one of the challenges which are to be addressed. In the past, we found that millions of rupees were spent on the election campaigns and also “buying of votes”. This time the proper implementation of the code of conduct for the election campaign would be legendry discretion of the ECP.

Since democracy is a culture rather than process, so the coming elections would serve as a source to speed up the evolutionary process of democracy in the Pakistan. This time we can see the political maturity of the political parties like PML-N and PTI. Both these parties emerged as the preferred parties in various surveys and polling reports. This is the beginning of the flourished democracy and can be regarded as the milestone.

The trend of transparent elections can be set for the coming elections. As said by FakhruddinIbhrahim, the elections of 2013 would give impetus to the people’s belief in democracy and democratic institutions of Pakistan. Free and fair elections of 2013 will be the signal of future free and fair elections representing the aspirations of the people. People of Pakistan are politically charged as we can see the participation of youth in the political process of the country under the leadership of Imran Khan. This is a positive trend. The petition of the Imran khan to eliminate o fake voters and making of new voters’ list are the potential signals for the smooth democracy in the Pakistan.

This is the first time when the scrutiny process of the candidates is prolonged and is taking place under serious supervision. This is the setting of new trends in elections in the Pakistan. Like the judicial activism, the Election Commission of Pakistan’s activism would serve as the future bridge to the transparent elections. Nomination papers will be accepted from 25th of March to 31st. 7-days would be preserved for the scrutiny of the papers then a period of ten days would be set to settle the issues regarding nomination papers.

The legacy which would be set by the coming elections would set a positive trend for future. The international media and community are taking interest in the elections of 2013 in Pakistan. Vigilance is the price of liberty and the people of Pakistan seem vigilant this time. However, they are expecting a constructive role of Political Parties, establishment, ECP and the interim machinery so that the legacy of free nation and free people can be set in order to ensure the prosperity of the Pakistan. – Arslan Waheed

One of the greatest desires of people is for them to be able to feel contentment in their lives, fulfillment in their dreams, and joy in their families. Peace is what drives man to put himself in a state of sacrifice to attain his ultimate goal, which is to experience a life of perfection, where there is no hate, no strife, and no chaos. However, just recently, we have heard of a nation declaring a “state of war” to another due to misunderstandings and confusion. While everyone else is focused on the war, have you ever wondered what are the top 10 most peaceful countries in the world and what it’s like to live in such a place? Peek on this list and you will realize that peace is not a distant national ambition.

10. Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the countries in the world that uses “honesty shops” in order to provide people the chance to exchange goods with money even without the assistance of cashier or store clerks. It is also the same country where you could actually leave your door wide open and not expecting that anyone would pilfer your stuff or take opportunity of the occasion. But the nation is ranked on the 10^th spot as its military force is still intact and active, although there are reports that the said national power has been contracted. Another reason of the ranking is due to the unrest of the people in respect to currencies where the value of their money and their cost of living is compromised.

9. Finland

Aside from being famous for its Nokia international headquarters, Finland is known to be a place where living conditions are right; provided that you are not experiencing financial unrest due to huge taxes and costly living standards. But other than this, Finland is a peaceful place where crimes are low and violence is very rare. Despite of the said remarks however, it is on the 9^th spot for the number of prisoners being detained, which is 59 per 100,000 people, including homicides that are higher than what is tallied and noted against other nearby countries. They are also not into war and even their military expenses are kept to a minimum, showing that the government is more focused on improving the lives of the people, rather than increasing its military strength.

8. Slovenia

Even if politics was active in Slovenia back in September 2011, the masses are actually satisfied with what’s happening, as voters, even those who have voted for the opposing party, have agreed to make things peaceful, keeping political unrest to a minimum. You can rarely hear of reports about terrorist attacks, mass killings, and other crimes, as there are only a few who engages in such activities. In fact, such horrendous acts are seldom to almost nothing. Military spending is also very low where the government only spends 1.4% of its GDP. They don’t even have their own fighter planes and they are depending on the assistance of Italy for that matter.

7. Ireland

Although Ireland is a serene place in general, it was placed in the 7^th rank for its political imbalance, which was experienced back in 2011. In fact, there have been protests and discord at the turn of the new leadership, where both economical and political spheres have been compromised. However, as the new government welcomed change together with its subjects, political unrest has ceased and everyone joined together, hoping for improvement and change for the better. Demonstrations have decreased, violence was kept down, and the trust of the people with each other has strengthened. Despite of such problems, Ireland did not see the need of increasing its military power, which even cut costs amounting to $147 million in over 3 years.

6. Austria

Famous in history as being the “cradle of the civilization of music”, Austria gives a perfect sense of what it is like to live in harmony with the society and the government. There are rarely events of chaos in the country, which is why their police force is kept to a tolerable few. Even though there have been news that the numbers have increased, the figures are still taken to be the smallest in the world. Even the society does not feel troubled as safety and security is not too stiff, knowing that crime rates are noted to be one of the lowest everywhere.

5. Japan

Although Japan has a history of being one of the perpetrators in the last World War, it does not that they ended up as chaos-loving people. In fact, they have done many things in the world in order to make it a better place, particularly in establishing ties with the rest of the nations through harnessing the power of technology. Their people are also known for being disciplined, industrious, courteous, and generally happy, which makes the Land of the Rising Sun a perfect place to stay, and easy to adapt to. However, they did not end in the top 3 due to issues of increasing their military power as provoked by nearby countries like North Korea and China, which has a past of being dictators and conquerors.

4. Canada

Canada has more members of the police force than Ireland, specifically 203 police officers in every 100,000 people, something that is quite high in number. Despite of the said figures, they do not count much in relation to security and safety as strictness in implementing laws and policies are not harsh where the people are very disciplined and civilized in understanding and obeying the rules. Instead, the police force is used to make sure that apprehenders and crooks are caught and imprisoned, serving sentences via the due process of the law. What really boosted them to higher peace index ranks is the fact that the country is actively participating in NATO’s International Security Assistance Force whether in sending troops to Afghanistan or in any other war-driven nation.

3. New Zealand

Crimes are very low in New Zealand, not only in terms of committed crimes in general, but even in the number of detaining prisoners, which is only in the ratio of about 199 to 100,000. While this may be higher than certain countries, this is compensated with the funds being allotted by the government to its military forces, which is only 1% of its total GDP. And to top it off, these funds are not even allotted for increasing military strength, but is more on improving its rescue and assistance maneuvers, including the purchasing of equipments and vehicles for better civilian support. Living conditions are also great as people are very easy to get along with, regardless of one’s race and cultural preference. Homicides are also rare, which makes New Zealand a safe place to live in.

2. Denmark

The peace index of Denmark places it as second best in this list as its cost budget allocation for military operations is more on spending for armaments and people, rather than machines and vehicles. In fact, Denmark has decreased its number of fighter planes in order to keep up with the cost of maintaining everything, while making sure that quality is never compromised in joining with NATO and its allies on various peace missions. Homicides, violence cases, and other crimes are rated at a low 79 for every 100,000 people. The government also does not have issues both internally with its subjects, and externally, when establishing relationships with other nearby countries.

1. Iceland

Iceland may be noted as a winter wonderland for many and it certainly is not a cold place to begin with. Consider the fact that this is the most peaceful place in the world, with everything in accordance to what is demanded in the General Peace Index. Crime rate is so low that only 49 of 100,000 has been recorded, its military force is considered essential yet basic in terms of power, and its 1.1% GDP allotted for the military is more on utilization of its forces with NATO peace missions, especially noted with what happened in Afghanistan. Not only is the people in harmony with everything that exists in the government, but even the financial aspect of the country is healthy and well.

Here is the list of top 10 countries with largest Armies in the  world in 2013

Forbes has released in mid-March 2013, the most influential celebrities of 2013. Let’s see who have retained the same standing from the ranking that was released by Forbes on February 21, 2012. Get to know the ratings if there’s an increased or downslides based on the previous results and the current values. Who have dropped off from the list, and who have successfully noted for the influences that they have made for the last 12 months. Of course, you would want to know if Oprah Winfrey still holds the crown on these top 10 most influential celebrities of 2013.

10. Clint Eastwood – 36% Influential Rating

Photo Source: http://www.obiectivbr.ro/clint-eastwood-a-semnat-un-document-care-sprijina-casatoriile-intre-persoane-de-_id77348

This spot belongs to Bill Cosby last year who had 39% Influential rating, and it’s expected since he has not been visible to any TV shows, but could only be followed through a popular social media, twitter. His unnoticed presence since the release of the 2012 influential celebrities continued even at the beginning of this year. He was replaced by the 82-year old politician, actor, producer, composer, director, and producer, Clint Eastwood, where he garnered 36% rate of influence.

9. Suze Orman – 37% Influential Rating

Photo Source: http://www.oprah.com/money/Suze-Ormans-Spring-Cleaning-Overhaul-Your-Files-and-Finances_1

Her whole name is Susan Lynn Orman, who was a known financial advisor, television host, motivational speaker, and an American Author. She is populary known as Suze, a 61-year old strong woman from Chicago, who is married to Kathy Travis. She made that revelation of her unique and special relationship with same-sex in 2007 for the last 7 years when she was featured at the New York Time Magazine, where she affirmed that she is a lesbian. Amidst of that, she gained the crowd and following from the people who were in the same relationship. This was once the place of Bono who is now up to the 8^th spot on this year’s list.

8. Bono – 37% Influential Rating

Photo Source: http://www.superjovem.seleski.com.br/noticias.php?Pg=233&cad=

Everyone is aware that he is an active activist, but this 52-year old singer from Ireland who serves as the lead vocalist of U2 band is also a venture capitalist. He’s association and active participation in humanitarian activities is one of the passions that he has. In fact, he is taking advantage of his celebrity status to be an advocate in fighting social justice not just in his country, but globally. One of the things that he supports the most is to end the poverty, hunger, and diseases. He might be up to number 8 ranking on this year’s list, but he had 41% influential rating last year being in the number 9 spot.

7. Barbara Walters – 37% Influential Rating

Photo Source: http://hi.baidu.com/feier830517/item/bdd89b3025c0bc4b3175a1b7

She was not included in last year’s list of influential celebrities, but this spot was Stephen Hawking who had 42% influential rating. Now, the classy and sophisticated 83-year old author, broadcast journalist, and TV personality took the 7^th spot this year. Her age does not hinder her to continue her career despite that she made a rant about it on “The View”, but later denied that she would retire soon, and not even in 2014.

6. Mehmet Oz – 40% Influential Rating

Photo Source: http://www.sugarshockblog.com/2007/09/dr-mehmet-oz-ma.html

He has retained and maintained his number 6^th spot since last year. The only difference is influential rating recorded, which was 2 points higher last year, and it went down to 40% this year. Although people still recognized the fact of his recognition and visibility because of Oprah who served as his mentor until he took off from her shadow in 2007 when The Dr. Oz Show was launched in 2007, where he got his own cognizance. Moreover, it’s even boosted because of theYou books. His whole name is Mehmet Cengiz Oz, who is also an author, and an American & Turkish cardiothoracic doctor.

5. George Lucas – 41% Influential Rating

Photo Source: http://filmpjekijken.com/tag?name=red%2Btails

Who would not know George Lucas and his relationship with the most-hailed science fiction movie series of all time, Star Wars? Taken as a trend-setter by Forbes’ for his revolutionary contribution on how sci-fi movies should be presented, George Lucas has directed, filmed, and produced other titles that changed the viewing habits of movie watchers forever. He was also responsible for creating Indiana Jones thanks to his collaborative efforts together with another famous director, Steven Spielberg. Star Wars is still famous even today, for creating a pop culture that binds the generation of the past with the present, all with the love for Luke and Anakin Skywalker, R2D2, and C3PO, Chewbacca, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Darth Vader, and of course, Yoda. Though the creative director dropped down 2% from 2012, he still retained his spot due to new lister, Martin Scorsese.

4. Ron Howard – 41% Influential Rating

Photo Source: http://startfilm.ru/news/main/4126/

Hailed by Forbes’ Magazine to be a person whose influence is recognized for being down to earth and humble, despite his prestigious achievements, Ron Howard has been in the showbiz industry ever since he played as a child actor to his current days as a noted film producer and director. What influenced him greatly was his acting career during the 1960s when he was included in The Andy Griffith Show as Opie Taylor. Due to his experience, he was able to direct films that can be considered interesting and thought-provoking, aside from being entertaining and amusing. He directed famous movies such as the Da Vinci Code, Angels & Demons, A Beautiful Mind, Apollo 13, and others.

3. Martin Scorsese – 42% Influential Rating

Photo Source: http://www.urban.ro/filme/7-regizori-celebri-cu-varste-cuprinse-intre-70-104-ani-care-inca-mai-fac-filme/

Known to be another prominent figure in the world of movie production and directing, Martin Scorsese has been included in Forbes’ list of the most influential people for being dynamic. Being a man of change, growth, and development in the movie industry, his craft is known to expand and improve that he has even been credited as one of the best directors of all time, even comparable to that of what Steven Spielberg has achieved. Marty’s success were all thanks to movies such as Goodfellas, The Departed, Hugo, and other classic like Taxi Driver and Raging Bull. In his passion for his craft, he even instituted The Film Foundation and the World Cinema Foundation, organizations that protect and preserve the heritage of the filmmaking industry. Ron Howard went points down from 43% to 41%, thus giving this spot for Mr. Scorsese.

2. Steven Spielberg – 47% Influential Rating

Photo Source: http://collider.com/steven-spielberg-animated-harry-potter/

All of Steven Spielberg’s movies can be considered a revelation in a sense that you are brought into a world of new and refreshing ideas whenever you watch his well-produced films. Whether it was Avatar or ET back in the 1980s, he never ceased to amaze his viewers by inculcating ideas and principles that not only entertain the eyes, but also teach the mind and the heart to change something in themselves, even before the movie presentation ends. Some of his most influential works are Jaws, Jurassic Park, Memoirs of a Geisha, Men in Black, AI (Artificial Intelligence), Amistad, Saving Private Ryan, and many other award-winning films under his belt. Michael J. Fox owned this spot last year, but is nowhere to be found for 2013. Now Stevie is on the 3^rd spot, having only 44% back in 2012.

1. Oprah Winfrey – 48% Influential Rating

Photo Source: http://www.people.com/people/oprah_winfrey/

She is noted for being famous in her self-titled show, “The Oprah Winfrey Show”, which has achieved the highest ratings for one of the longest periods in TV broadcasting history, from 1986 to 2011. Because of her efforts in helping people on and off the air, she has been given the title of being “the most influential woman in the world”. Her philanthropic activities have reached different people far and wide, whether it was providing financial and temporal assistance in remote areas, or spiritual and emotional support while her show was ongoing. Her selflessness and compassion eventually gave her the break that no other daytime talk show host had; even launching and operating her very own production company. Despite of being at the top, her influential rating drop 1% from 2012.

What does a meaningful self-sacrifice means? Does it mean giving up all your possessions, including your life, for the welfare of others? Over the course of world history, there were unsung heroes who gave their all for others. However, what made these 10 amazing self-sacrifices in the world inspiring were the resounding effects of their sacrifice that can still affect the people of today, years when these heroes were all gone.    Everyday, people make their own little self-sacrifices. A mother can sacrifice her life for her unborn child even if it entails a lot of pain that will eventually lead to her death. Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of a great self-sacrifice where He died for the remissions of sins, which still resonates with all the Christians worldwide. Though this may be hard to replicate, here is the list of amazing self-sacrifices in the world that still inspires people that there is still good in everyone.

10. Anthony L. Krotiak

Photo Source: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=8114583

A United States Army Soldier, he became a recipient of the military’s decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during World War II. He was an acting squad leader and while directing his men on a newly-won position on Hill B, a group of Japanese soldiers threw a grenade in the center of their group. Pushing his comrades aside, he jammed the grenade to the earth with his rifle, and threw himself over it to protect his comrades.

9. Vincent Coleman

PhotoSource:http://museum.gov.ns.ca/mmanew/en/home/whattoseedo/halifaxexplosion/vincentcolemanandthehalifaxexplosion.aspx

A hero of the Halifax tragedy, he went to work on December 6, 1917 as a Railway Dispatcher for Halifax’s North End station As he relieved the night dispatcher at the telegraph, there was a collision and French munitions ship Mont-Blanc had caught fire and about to explode. Worried about the incoming Passenger Train No. 10 and its occupants; he delivered his famous telegraph message: “Hold up the train. Ammunition ship afire in harbor making for Pier 6 and will explode. Guess this will be my last message. Good-bye boys.”

8. Ensign Andrew L. Foreman

Photo Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Foreman_(DE-633)

During the Battle of Tassafaronga on November 30, 1942 between the United States Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy warships during the Guadalcanal campaign, he remained at his station to help save his ship until asphyxiated by gas generated by the explosion. Posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic self-sacrifice, the USS Foreman (DE-633), a Buckley-class destroyer escort of the US Navy was named after him.

7. Francois Charles Hugues Laurent Poqueville

Photo Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Fran%C3%A7ois_Pouqueville.jpg

A French diplomat, explorer, writer and historian; he became a prominent architect of the Philhellenism movement throughout Europe. He also contributed greatly to the liberation of the Greeks and the rebirth of the Greek nation during the Greek War of Independence in 1821 by giving shelter in the French consulate to a number of refugees while the Turkish repression was raging at the peril of his own life. He became a great example on how the French consuls should fulfill their duties.

6. Nine Brothers Kherkheulidtze

Photo Source: http://www.pravoslavie.ru/english/7305.htm

 When Shah Abbas I of Persia marched his largest army towards Georgia’s eastern provinces of Kartli and Kakheti; the safety of the motherland was placed on the 20,000 Georgian Army with the Nine Brothers Kherkheulidtze bearing the Georgian flag, as they fought with courage and fortitude. After the nine banner-bearing brothers were killed, it fell to their youngest brother and to their sister who was also killed. However, it was raised up again by their mother as a symbol of Georgian invincibility, though she was also killed. The nine brothers and their mother and sister were canonized by the Georgian Orthodox Church along with thousands martyrs of the Battle of Marabda.

5. Gomburza

Photo Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/diamonds_in_the_soles_of_her_shoes/8099322146/

This was the acronym denoting the surnames of the Filipino priests Mariano Gomez, Jose Apolonio Burgos and Jacinto Zamora who were executed on February 17, 1872 by the Spanish colonial authorities on charges of subversion arising from the 1872 Cavite Mutiny. This has a profound effect on the Filipinos and what triggered the revolution that ended the 300-plus years of Spanish colonial rule in the country. The country’s national hero, Jose Rizal, dedicated his novel ‘El Filibusterismo’ to their memory.

4. Mormon Handcart Pioneers

Photo Source: http://www.mormonoutreach.org/topics/The_Mormon_Handcart_Disaster.htm

The migration of the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the LDS Church, from 1856 to 1860 was fraught with hardships and sufferings as they traveled using handcarts to travel their belonging in all kinds of weather from Iowa and Nebraska to Utah. Lacking funds for full-ox teams, the 3,000 pioneers from Wales, England, Scandinavia, and Scotland went on a trek that resulted in disaster for two companies that were caught in heavy snow and extreme temperature in Wyoming, where 210 out of the 980 pioneers in the two companies died along the way. Their contributions were honored during the Pioneer Day.

3. Robert Bailey

PhotoSource: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/18/japan-earthquake-tsunami-heroes_n_837411.html#s254947&title=Teacher_Saves_Kids

A British teacher in Japan, he was not even supposed to be in school when the great tsunami hit Japan on March 11. However, when the ground started to shake and the emergency system in the coastal town of Ofunato blared commanding them to “Head for the hills” as the massive tsunami was on its way, he whisked all his 42 students to safety atop a nearby hill with only 8 minutes to run for their lives.

2. John McLoughlin and William Jimero

Photo Source: http://911research.wtc7.net/reviews/world_trade_center/mcloughlin_jimeno.html

The 9/11 tragedy has not only led to the death of the victims of the Twin Towers, but also for a great number of casualties coming from the New York police force, fire fighters and volunteers. This event has been one of those unfortunate events where the rescuers need to be rescued themselves. Notable among them were John McLoughlin and William Jimero, the last two men out of the rubble of the World Trade Center who survived the ordeal of being buried alive for 13 hours.

1. Mother Theresa

Photo Source: http://egnorance.blogspot.com/2012/09/mother-theresa-and-psalms.html

A recipient of numerous honors including the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize, Anjeze Gonxhe Bojaxhiu might have been born an Albanian on August 26, 1910, but she considered India her home and the poorest of the poor her family. Leaving her home at 18 to join the convent, where she never saw her mother and sister again; she began her missionary work in 1948 by leaving the comforts of the convent and founded the Missionaries of Charity to care for the sick, especially those with HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and leprosy; and run orphanages and schools for poor children