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.
donderdag 24 juni 2010
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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