donderdag 24 juni 2010

A Pound Too Far

Bikers to challenge 1 Pound parking fee in central London

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/england/london/10401046.stm
24th June 2010, BBC News Website

London bikers of the "No To Bike Parking Tax" campaign have sued the Westminster City Counsil for its orders to charge central London bikers with a parking fee of 1 Pound a day. The High Court has been asked to rule these new orders. The campaigning group states that the new measure would not benefit the traffic situation. They also accuse the council for acting outside their powers. The council itself thinks the fee is a "modest sum" and necessary for more street space. Councillor Lee Rowley of parking and transportation says that the council is confident that the challenge will be dismissed by the high court.

I think motorised traffic participants should be equally charged. It would not be fair is motorcyclists can park for free while cars always have to pay fees in the British capital. I think it is a good measure because it motivates motorcyclists to travel differently, for instance by public transport. The fact is that the central of London is a crowded spot and measures have to be taken to prevent it for becoming even crowdier. I understand why the motorcyclists protest, it never is fun to have to pay extra fees. I hope they will understand that they otherwise are priviliged above those who travel by car.

dinsdag 22 juni 2010

Freedomfighter's Last Resort, Respect Our Marines

Royal Marine shot dead in Afghanistan gun battle

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk/10382582.stm
22th June 2010

A marine of 40 Commando Royal Marines was killed in a fight with insurgents in the Helmand province. He died of the enemy's small arm fire. The marine is the third to die in a week from the same formation. Task Force Helmand's spokesman Lieutenant Col James Carr-Smith said he died a marine: Among his mates in the line of duty. He said that the marine will be sorely missed and that they will remember him and his actions. He is #302 of British fatal casualties in the Afghan war since the war began in 2001.

I deeply respect all the forces who are fighting for the freedom of our own and countries. When I read such tragic news it immediately absorbs my attention. I feel both helpless and bad about the fact that he died while working on a better world. There are many people that think the Western forces should retreat from the Middle East. I think this is a highly dangerous thing to do while the Taliban is still active. Dangerous for the countries suffering from the Taliban and the Western countries as well. Retreating means total control for the Taliban in these countries and the ability to make themselves stronger. As for the marine: may he rest in peace.

vrijdag 18 juni 2010

Cleese Takes A Bath With Bird

Girl who's made John Cleese fall in love with Britain again

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1286895/Girl-whos-John-Cleese-fall-love-Britain-again.html?ito=feeds-newsxml
15th June 2010, Dailymail Website

Monthy Python founder and actor John Cleese (70) decided to live partially in Britain again, after living in California since the 1980s. He owns two houses in California and recently bought his third one in Bath. The reason for this decision could be his new girlfriend Jennifer Wade (39), she loves the city and her divorced parents live there as well. Mr Cleese met his Jennifer as a friend of his daughter. He then began dating her. He thinks the big gap in age between them is a disgrace but that she in "age inappropriate". He finds her "the most playful creature".

John Cleese has to be a great partner for any lady, since most women want a man with humour. I think it is indeed his love that takes him back to Britain. Perhaps he misses his home country as well, being out of it for about thirty years. I understand that people are stunned by the age gap. Age is only a number, as long as the love comes from both sides the relationship should be good. Looking at Cleese's past with women, I think it will not last long. He does not take it very serious I believe, calling her a playful creature. Then again, "serious", we are talking about John Cleese here!

dinsdag 15 juni 2010

Bloody Sunday Bastards Guilty

Bloody Sunday report published

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/northern_ireland/10320609.stm
15th June 2010, BBC News Website

UK Prime Minister David Cameron said to be 'deeply sorry' about Bloody Sunday on behalf of the government, the country and himself. The prime minister made his apology (and said that the event was absolutely wrong) following the results of the Saville Inquiry commision, who has been investigating the event for over 12 years. The commission stated for example that all victims were unarmed and not be given a warning before they were shot. None of the victims formed a threat and the soldiers' shootings can not be justified in any way. Most of the soldiers lied about their actions during that day.

It is a sign of respect, responsibility and duty that the Prime Minister made his apology. He is giving what many people, especially the involved ones, what they need: Recognition for the event being cruel and injustifiable. He takes responsibiliyy as the leader of the country to talk about this matter and form an opinion about it. He does his duty as the Prime Minister to inform the world, especially Northern Ireland, about this matter and how he himself thinks about it. I hope this makes it slightly easier for the involved people and that the responsible soldiers will be given the maximum sentence. They should pay for their cruel actions.

vrijdag 11 juni 2010

"Innocently" On The Fiddle

Ex Labour MPs and Tory peer lose expenses ruling

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/politics/10293475.stm
11th June 2010, BBC News Website

Four former British politicians have to stand trial for expenses fraud charges. These are Labour MPs Elliott Morley, David Chaytor and Jim Devine along with ex Tory peer Lord Hanningfield. After information about expenses claims from all MPs was gained by a national newspaper the police investigated the case for nine months. The lawyers of these men claim that parliamentary privilege accounts for their clients. Mr Justice Saunders rejects that possibility because that privilege does not cover individual claims, only the expenses system. The former politicians are all pleading not guilty and will appeal the case.

Reading this article made me think that these politicians see themselves superior to 'normal' British citizens. They think their unfair and illegal expenses could be justified by an old law which does not cover their actions at all. If they say that they are not guilty then what should they fear? Which reason is there not to undergo a lawsuit? They of course know they are guilty but are desperately trying to escape a sentence. I sincerely hope justice will serve and these political crooks experience right and wrong themselves. One should think they know that since they have debated about such matters frequently.

vrijdag 4 juni 2010

Money Blowing Out of The Country

£2bn offshore windfarm to go ahead off north Wales

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/wales/north_west_wales/10235242.stm
4th June 2010, BBC News Website

The largest windpark of Europe is to be built near the north Wales coast. Construction work will begin next year. The huge windpark, which shall stand around 11 miles off coast, will cost £2 billion. It will provide 400.000 homes of 100% green power. Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan thinks it is excellent news, because this project should create 1.000 quality jobs and contribute millions of pounds to the north Welsh economy. Save Our Scenery chairman John Lawson-Reay thinks mainly Germany and the Netherlands will benefit this project. The windpark will be fully completed in 2014 but will start generating electricity in 2013.

Using Green energy means respecting our nature and its possibilities should be expanded. As long as windmills yield (much) more energy and therefore money than the subsidies that make them turn, it is a significant instrument for gaining green energy. Taking good care of our nature and environment is important, but the UK Government should also consider the Welsh inhabitants. They should benefit it and work for the project instead of hiring foreign workers! In that case those 1.000 jobs will never be filled by Welsh people and the economic advantage will be less because the payments will go outside Welsh (and even UK) border.

zondag 30 mei 2010

"Cause our love would be forever."

Muse on 'break-up' Twilight song

http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/music/newsid_10120000/newsid_10121200/10121239.stm
18th May 2010, BBC News Website

British alternative rock band Muse has released its new single, Neutron Star Collision (love is Forever), as a soundtrack for the Twilight film series. It is the first time the band has made a song for a film. The bandmembers were contacted by people from Twilight and were asked whether they liked to make a song for the upcoming soundtrack album. Frontman Matthew Bellamy explained that he wrote the song shortly after he broke up with his girlfriend, which was a difficult period for him. The song is a looking back on the moment when you first get with someone and it feels like that situation will go on forever, according to Bellamy.

At first, I disliked the song. It reminded me of their last album, The Resistance, of which I think it is not on the same level as their previous albums. Though I do appreciate Muse's continuous urge of experimenting with different styles. After I listened to the song some more I realised it actually is quite good. It has a good variation in instruments (piano and guitar). The song also has various rhythms, which is characteristic for the drummer Dominic Howard. I now think it is a passionate song with lots of variations and beautiful tones. Along with Matt's beautiful high-pitched voice and the smart use of melodies it sounds very Muse-ish.


Official videoclip of the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTvgnYGu9bg

vrijdag 14 mei 2010

Racistic Terrorist Caught by Police

White supremacist arrests 'prevented carnage'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/wear/8662621.stm
14th May 2010, BBC News Website

The detective superintendent Neil Malkin, who arrested neo-Nazi Ian Davison, is glad that he made the arrest. His team of detectives uncovered an amount of castor beans to make ricin (an extremely deadly poison) with and Davison's knowledge in producing pipe bombs. It was known by the investigators that the white radical was a key figure of an extreme-right wing group and a supporter of violence towards ethnic communities. Due to the increasing risk of a terrorist attack, Malkin found it urgent to arrange the arrest. He is convinced that they have prevented a bloodbath.

Many times I say how I dislike the police. Never catching the real crooks. Reading this article makes me feel warm and respecting about the national authorities. This sick and unworldly figure follows the hazardous ideas of Hitler. I can not understand how a thinking individual could accept those cruel fascistic ideas. A great piece of detective work I would say! Although Neil Malkin gives me the impression that he wanted to wait for an 'ideal' moment to arrest the man (perhaps to gain more evidence). I believe society's safety should stand above these bureaucratic profits.

dinsdag 11 mei 2010

Will it Blend?

David Cameron is UK's new prime minister

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/election_2010/8675265.stm
11th May 2010, BBC News Website

The Conservatives' leader Cameron has become the new Prime Minister of the UK. After visiting Her Majesty Queen Elisabeth II, he received her permission to form a new government. He is the youngest Prime Minister in nearly 200 years. He also decided not to put too much pressure on the party differences, but to govern the country 'in the national interest'. The winning party of David Cameron did not receive enough votes to govern on its own. Therefore they chose to form the new government as a coalition with the Liberal Democrats in which Nick Clegg will be Cameron's deputy Prime Minister. There has not been a coalition government in the UK in 70 years.

When it comes to speeching, my favourite was Mr Cameron. He seems like a clever and understanding man that can be trusted. I can understand his ideas, for instance: the income of the National Lottery that should be spend on culture again, less paperwork and more patrolling for the police, getting people to work again earlier. A coalition could be a big advantage. The Conservatives have to take new ideas serious because now they share the ruling party with the slightly different Lib Dems. I have a good feeling about the new British government!

donderdag 6 mei 2010

Entangled Patient Preferences

Hospital followed procedures in case of hanged Rhyl man

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/north_east/8660621.stm
4th May 2010, BBC News Website

In a hospital in Northern Wales, Ysbysty Glan Clwyd, a patient hanged himself using sheets. The victim, 45 year old Geoffrey Heywood, suffered a depression and an alcohol addiction in the past. He suffered multiple overdoses, which also were suicide attempts. Staff that were on duty when the hanging happened did not think there was a high chance that Mr Heywood would try to harm himself. The coroner of North East Wales, Mr Hughes, concluded that the hospital 'had pretty much followed' the recommendations of the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE). Mr Heywood's widow misses her husband but is glad that he is in a better place where he finally is at peace with himself.

I always thought a hospital is the place where people recover! However, not everybody wants to get well! The first time I read the article I found it a strange event. When I started to think more deeply about it I realized that it is very likely the place where certain people want to kill themselves. When someone survives a suicide attempt and recovers in the hospital the opposite happens of what that person wants. I think he had the right to make this decision and should even be helped by euthanasia. The hospital staff is not to blame for this. A hospital remains a hospital and not a prison where every resident is constantly checked on his behaviour.

zondag 25 april 2010

Teachers, Not to be Kidded

Russell urges heads to back curriculum changes

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/8641869.stm
25th April 2010, BBC News Website

Mike Russell, secretary of Education for the Scottish National Party (SNP), wishes to use the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) as the base for Scottish secondary education across coming August. This curriculum will give teachers more freedom with less prescriptions in their way of teaching. Mr Russel thinks that head teachers are at the heart of any successful school and inspirational for teachers and parents. To implement the new curriculum he would like to be supported by them. Secondary teachers support this revision in education but are also angry and concerned because the government ignore their opinions. Survey shows that teachers want more preparation and clarification about the CfE before teaching according to it.

The new CfE is controversial. Unions dislike it and teachers criticise it. It appears to be a good curriculum but the unions and teachers fear trouble with the implementation of it. They also think that the workload will increase. Mr Russell made a good decision by contacting the head teachers as a way to maintain the new curriculum. I think that the secondary teachers should be better informed and have more resources in order to achieve an effective new curriculum. Mr Russell likes the idea of more freedom for the teachers though the teachers should not be abandoned by the government.

woensdag 21 april 2010

Acrobatic Abuse

Cirque du Soleil plan Michael Jackson show

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8634153.stm

21st April 2010, BBC News Website

Acrobatic group 'Cirque du Soleil' is going to tour with a new “Michael Jackson” themed show. The show will be co-funded by Cirque du Soleil and the Jackson estate. Michael Jackson loved Cirque du Soleil and even considered to work with them. The show's intention is to let the fans experience the excitement of a Michael Jackson show, said the circus company. The family of Michael shares that opinion. Cirque du Soleil will tour with the show through North America in the end of 2011. In 2012 the show will be permanently scheduled in an MGM casino is Las Vegas.

This morning I saw it on the news and thought: 'Oh, again advantage is taken from poor deceased Michael...' Strange that so many people suddenly love Michael Jackson and fill their iPods with his entire discography. Why now? Why when he is no longer among us? Does his music sound better knowing that he is dead? Commercial television channels anticipate on this behaviour by talentshows as 'My Name Is Michael' and 'Move Like Michael Jackson'. Now again a commercial agency tries to make money with Michael's death. All these programs are called tributes. I am sure there are more respectful ways to commemorate the King of Pop.

The Best Place To Hide... Indeed.

Body lay under sofa for 10 years in shared Bristol flat

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/bristol/somerset/8633012.stm
20th April 2010, BBC News Website

A vulnerable resident with learning problems named Alan Derrick concealed the body of Dennis Pring back in 1998. The two were friends and when mr. Pring turned homeless mr. Derrick offered him to stay in his apartment. When he suddenly died, mr. Derrick was afraid that he would be evicted and hid the body. After complaints about a smell his apartment was checked but the warden thought that an overflowing toilet was the cause. In 2008 mr. Derrick relocated and Pring´s body was discovered by council cleaning staff. No criminal charges were submitted towards mr. Derrick. The city council promised to check the accommodations better in future.

It appears to be a fictional story. I could hardly believe that a body lay inside a sheltered accommodation for such a long time! However, the concealer was a true hermit with limited capabilities. He was a loner so he did not have many friends, or no friends at all. I find it humoristic that the warden did not notice the body rotting beside her underneath the sofa. Though I do not think mr. Derrick should be prosecuted. He did not know how to cope with this extreme situation because he is a limited person. The city council of Bristol should indeed improve their policy on this field.

First Article Summary & Reaction

What choice for school and college leavers in this job market?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2010/apr/13/lost-generation-higher-education-disillusion

At the moment the disillusionment that a good education is no longer a guarantee for finding a good job is especially harsh for students who want to enter or leave universities. While students know exactly which universities, traineeships and qualities will provide them with a job, teachers are complaining about the fact that they feel forced to respond to the student’ s demand and not being able to live up to their own intellectual and educational standards. Either way results in too many unskilled students entering the job market. The teaching unions are now realizing the importance of working together with the students so they can all make an effort to regain education as an authentic and rewarding activity.


The goal of education is to develop the intellectual skills and knowledge of students. Due to the growing commercially society things have changed. Government-owned companies are privatised, the amount of advertising is rising (for instance due to the Internet) and commercial music is successful. A thing we always relied on was education. Education is good, it helps people to grow. With the ridiculous proposition of the political party Tory the commercial society seems to have won more terrain. They think it would be good to adjust education on the job market. It should however be the other way around. More focus should be on the fact that people are not working on their own level.