Day: February 6, 2025

Gambling is an activity in which a person stakes something of value (like money) on an outcome that is determined at least in part by chance and is out of their control or influence. This can include things like the lottery, sports betting and casino games – such as poker or slot machines. There is a risk that people can become addicted to any form of gambling, but some forms are more dangerous than others. People who are more at risk of developing a problem with gambling may be men, younger people or those who have a mental health issue. People who are in financial crisis are also at greater risk, as they may be desperate to try and get back their money.

The highs and lows of gambling can have a huge impact on your mood, and can even make depression or other mental health issues worse. If you are battling with these issues, it is important to seek help and support for them first.

Trying to gamble away your problems can be extremely dangerous and you should never put yourself in that position. It is also important to recognise the warning signs that you have a problem, such as lying to friends and family members, missing events or making excuses to avoid spending time with them. There is a link between harmful gambling and thoughts of suicide, so if you ever feel unsafe or at risk, call 999 or go to A&E immediately.

Some people may be tempted to gamble as a way of escape from depression or other negative emotions, while other people start gambling because they are bored or lonely. If you are feeling these emotions, it is a good idea to talk to a GP about them and see if there is any help or advice that they can offer.

Another reason to avoid gambling is the potential damage it can do to your relationships. If you are unable to stop gambling, your friends and family will start to lose trust in you. You might also be lying to them about how much you’re spending or where your money is coming from, which can cause a lot of stress and tension.

Some doctors are beginning to view gambling behavior as an addictive disorder and screen their patients for this. The significance of this is increasing, as more and more people are finding themselves with gambling addictions. People who have been diagnosed with a mental health condition are more at risk of this, as they are more likely to turn to gambling as a way of self-medication or to hide feelings from others. They may also be less likely to engage in other healthy activities such as exercise and socialising. Having the right support in place can help you to change this behaviour and make your life healthier and happier.

A trove of literary works has been unearthed in Singapore’s oldest book repository, including several manuscripts that are thought to have been written by the founders of modern Singapore. The National Library of Singapore said in a statement that the manuscripts were found in its Central Bindery at the Old National Library Building in a storage room on the third floor. The National Library added that the manuscripts are “important historical documents” and will be preserved for future generations.

The winners of the 2023 Earthshot Prize were announced at a star-studded awards ceremony in Singapore, with Accion Andina, GRST, WildAid Marine Program and S4S Technologies taking home the top prizes. The event was held at Mediacorp Theatre and was co-hosted by Hannah Waddingham and three-time Emmy winning actor Sterling K. Brown. The ceremony featured performances by Bastille, OneRepublic and Bebe Rexha.

The inaugural Dr Alan HJ Chan Spirit of Singapore Book Prize was launched by the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) School of Humanities and Social Sciences on April 18. The prize, funded by a $1 million donation from Confucian scholar Alan Chan, is awarded to authors who “champion mindsets and values that are important to shaping Singapore.” SUSS named the values as equality, diversity, religious harmony, meritocracy, pragmatism, resilience and an emphasis on education, innovation and community.

A record number of 224 entries were received this year, with an increase of 30 per cent compared to last year. In addition to the judges’ picks, readers voted for their favorites in the Readers’ Choice category, with four winners—Ali bin Salim, Daryl Qilin Yam, Pan Zheng Lei and rma cureess—winning the top spots. Each winner will receive $1,000 in cash, and their voters get a chance to win book-purchase vouchers worth $50.

In keeping with the theme of sustainability, the award ceremony was held at the state-owned Mediacorp Theatre and had a green carpet, with actors wearing sustainable fashions, including Donnie Yen in a 10-year-old suit and Cate Blanchett in a vintage gown made by eco-friendly designer Stella McCartney. The ceremony was also broadcast live on SBC. Among other highlights of the evening was a performance by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by the renowned British conductor Nicholas Collon. See the full list of winners here. Follow the hashtag #EarthshotSGP2023 to find out more about this year’s inspiring work to combat climate change and promote a sustainable future. The competition’s 15 finalists were selected from over 50 nominations submitted by organisations and individuals around the world. The finalists are addressing challenges in the areas of forestry, food security, biodiversity and water, climate adaptation and energy efficiency. For more information on this year’s prize, visit the website.