http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3042421/State-trip-by-Pope-will-cost-UK-12m.html
Taxpayers are going top have to pay a £12 Million bill for Pope Benedict's visit to Britain, which is up to £4 million more than had been thought.
The September's four-day event would be so 'complex' and 'sophisticated'that the price that taxpayer should pay had been underestimated, Lord Patten admitted yesterday.
The Prime Ministers's special representative for the visit said that the Government is now going to have to need £10 to £12 million for the costs, instead of the estimated £8million.
The visit of the pope to Britain will be the very first State visit by a Pope to Britain. It begins on September 16, when he meets the Queen in Edinburgh.
Pope Benedict is first going to visit Glasgow then London and finally Birmingham where he will hold a mass to beatify Cardinal John Henry Newman.
To be honest I think that it's pretty ridiculous that every British citizen has to contribute to coughing up this huge amount of money simply because the English Government wanted pope Benedict to come to England. This visit is related to the Christian religion and there are lots of people who don't have any connection with religion or the Christian Religion at all and I think to force people to pay for an event like this, for something they do not even believe in, is just wrong. I think that it's also a ridiculous amount of money for the trip.
maandag 12 juli 2010
22 year-old pregnant woman stabbed to death
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/jun/08/pregnant-woman-fatally-stabbed
The 22-year-old Claire Wilson was walking home from work on June 7 when somenbody stabbed her. Witnesses claim they saw a man follow Claire and stab her in the back. The stabbing costed both Claire and her unborn baby their lives. Friends of the mother-to-be are in deep shock, they think Claire was one of the greatest persons ever and will be missed. The baby’s father, 23-year-old Adam Kennard visited the crime scene and left some special items.
A passenger saw the stabbing, ran into a pub, and together with the DJ they chaed the suspect and caught up with him. At the moment there is no motive known yet. Friends and co-workers laid flowers at the crime scene to pay their tribute.
In my opinion this is a very sad happening. It is ridiculous to kill someone, and even more tragic when that person is 7 months pregnant. What really startles me, is that the suspect does not relate to the victim, and does not seem to have a motive. What idiot would just go out and stab a pregnant lady for fun? I hope they lock him up for the rest of his life, because people like that do not deserve to live among ‘normal’ people.
The 22-year-old Claire Wilson was walking home from work on June 7 when somenbody stabbed her. Witnesses claim they saw a man follow Claire and stab her in the back. The stabbing costed both Claire and her unborn baby their lives. Friends of the mother-to-be are in deep shock, they think Claire was one of the greatest persons ever and will be missed. The baby’s father, 23-year-old Adam Kennard visited the crime scene and left some special items.
A passenger saw the stabbing, ran into a pub, and together with the DJ they chaed the suspect and caught up with him. At the moment there is no motive known yet. Friends and co-workers laid flowers at the crime scene to pay their tribute.
In my opinion this is a very sad happening. It is ridiculous to kill someone, and even more tragic when that person is 7 months pregnant. What really startles me, is that the suspect does not relate to the victim, and does not seem to have a motive. What idiot would just go out and stab a pregnant lady for fun? I hope they lock him up for the rest of his life, because people like that do not deserve to live among ‘normal’ people.
Drop in car sales reduced by new scrappage incentive scheme
UK new car sales 25% lower in May
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8082583.stm
In May 2009, the car sales have dropped with 25%, compared to May 2008. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (the SMMT) said that the amount of new cars sold in the UK last month was over 134 thousand. The numbers do not show the impact of the car scrappage incentive scheme, which came into effect on 18 May. Chief executive of the SMMT says that June could show improvement. Since the scrappage incentive scheme was introduced, there have been more orders. It will just take time to feed this into the registration figures. Car industries suffer all around the world due to the economic crisis.
I believe it is a very good thing, the car scrappage incentive scheme. It helps the car industry to stay alive during the economic crisis. Otherwise, many companies could go bankrupt. After the economic crisis is over, we will not have the same companies as before, although we will need them then. I believe it is smart to help people buy a new car in difficult times. The car industry and the government help the British people together. It is sad that measures like this one are necessary, but it is a good solution.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8082583.stm
In May 2009, the car sales have dropped with 25%, compared to May 2008. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (the SMMT) said that the amount of new cars sold in the UK last month was over 134 thousand. The numbers do not show the impact of the car scrappage incentive scheme, which came into effect on 18 May. Chief executive of the SMMT says that June could show improvement. Since the scrappage incentive scheme was introduced, there have been more orders. It will just take time to feed this into the registration figures. Car industries suffer all around the world due to the economic crisis.
I believe it is a very good thing, the car scrappage incentive scheme. It helps the car industry to stay alive during the economic crisis. Otherwise, many companies could go bankrupt. After the economic crisis is over, we will not have the same companies as before, although we will need them then. I believe it is smart to help people buy a new car in difficult times. The car industry and the government help the British people together. It is sad that measures like this one are necessary, but it is a good solution.
Rhinos in Zimbabwe killed massively because of their horns
Poachers wiping out Zimbabwe's rhinos as demand surges
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jun/09/zimbabwe-rhinos-china-horns-poaching
Poaching in Zimbabwe has increased largely, 120 rhinos have been killed for their horns in the past 15 months. Their horns feed the Chinese black market, where they are valued for their medicinal value. They are also used for daggers in the Middle East countries. Reason of the increase in poaching is an economic situation deteriorating and law and order breaking down. The poachers are now using a tranquilizer that is fired without noise and leave the unconscious animals for dead after taking the horn. This treatment makes sure the animals die from overheating, after which the animal cannot be eaten by other predators. The better news in this situation is that authorities do try to prevent all rhino’s from being killed this way. They remove the horn in a more humane way and relocated the animals to areas where they can be better protected.
Reading that there are rhinos still being killed for their horns makes me quite mad. I am an animal lover and when I read about animal cruelty, I cannot help but feel really sorry for the animals that suffer from that cruelty. There are people saying that the human race has really become a civilized race. Yes, we are civilized in some way, but the statement is not completely true as long as we allow animal cruelty to continue. Only when we, as an entire race, can take care of our planet and the animals living there, can we call ourselves really civilized. It really pains me to see that animals like the rhinos and elephants are still killed for their horns. They have no fair chance of defending themselves.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jun/09/zimbabwe-rhinos-china-horns-poaching
Poaching in Zimbabwe has increased largely, 120 rhinos have been killed for their horns in the past 15 months. Their horns feed the Chinese black market, where they are valued for their medicinal value. They are also used for daggers in the Middle East countries. Reason of the increase in poaching is an economic situation deteriorating and law and order breaking down. The poachers are now using a tranquilizer that is fired without noise and leave the unconscious animals for dead after taking the horn. This treatment makes sure the animals die from overheating, after which the animal cannot be eaten by other predators. The better news in this situation is that authorities do try to prevent all rhino’s from being killed this way. They remove the horn in a more humane way and relocated the animals to areas where they can be better protected.
Reading that there are rhinos still being killed for their horns makes me quite mad. I am an animal lover and when I read about animal cruelty, I cannot help but feel really sorry for the animals that suffer from that cruelty. There are people saying that the human race has really become a civilized race. Yes, we are civilized in some way, but the statement is not completely true as long as we allow animal cruelty to continue. Only when we, as an entire race, can take care of our planet and the animals living there, can we call ourselves really civilized. It really pains me to see that animals like the rhinos and elephants are still killed for their horns. They have no fair chance of defending themselves.
Two teenagers charged for racism
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/8111278.stm
Two teenagers have been charged of intimidating Romanian immigrants. Their behaviour has caused the Romanian families to flee their houses and seek accommodation elsewhere. Their arrest followed on a wake of attacks that were executed on the houses of Romanian migrants. There are more than 100 migrants attacked this way. In a reaction on these events, at least 200 people attend a rally against racism on Saturday. The youngsters have to appear before the Magistrates’ Court on Monday. The majority of the Romanian families who were attacked are now making preparations to return to their home country. Anna Lo, South Belfast MLA, spoke out that it is a sad picture for Northern Ireland that the migrants cannot be protected properly and that they return to their home country when they really liked it in Northern Ireland.
I agree what Anna Lo mentions in this article. The Romanians have come to Northern Ireland after fleeing their own country, where it was not safe to live for them. They have built a good life for themselves, and now they are once again chased away and again made to feel unwelcome. Discrimination in its many forms is a human trait I deeply regret the existence of. All humans are the same, with the same emotions and worries, and I sometimes wonder why one group has to think of themselves as being better than others. Is this showing of superiority really necessary? Is it so extremely difficult to respect and accept another man’s differences and culture? Unfortunately, it seems that showing respect and acceptance is indeed so very difficult for some people.
Two teenagers have been charged of intimidating Romanian immigrants. Their behaviour has caused the Romanian families to flee their houses and seek accommodation elsewhere. Their arrest followed on a wake of attacks that were executed on the houses of Romanian migrants. There are more than 100 migrants attacked this way. In a reaction on these events, at least 200 people attend a rally against racism on Saturday. The youngsters have to appear before the Magistrates’ Court on Monday. The majority of the Romanian families who were attacked are now making preparations to return to their home country. Anna Lo, South Belfast MLA, spoke out that it is a sad picture for Northern Ireland that the migrants cannot be protected properly and that they return to their home country when they really liked it in Northern Ireland.
I agree what Anna Lo mentions in this article. The Romanians have come to Northern Ireland after fleeing their own country, where it was not safe to live for them. They have built a good life for themselves, and now they are once again chased away and again made to feel unwelcome. Discrimination in its many forms is a human trait I deeply regret the existence of. All humans are the same, with the same emotions and worries, and I sometimes wonder why one group has to think of themselves as being better than others. Is this showing of superiority really necessary? Is it so extremely difficult to respect and accept another man’s differences and culture? Unfortunately, it seems that showing respect and acceptance is indeed so very difficult for some people.
Number of attacks in prison risen
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/wales/8087666.stm
The number of prisoner-on-prisoner attacks has risen 48%. Leanne Wood blames the criminal justice system, they cause chronically overcrowded prisons. Minister David Hanson (MP) says that reducing the violence is a priority. The biggest problem in Wales is the privately run ‘Parc-prison’. Although the number of prisoner-on-officer has fallen, as well as the self-harm cases, most of these incidents take place in Parc-prison. Ms Wood says that because of the overcrowded prisons it is difficult to maintain control and this explains the increasing number of prisoner-on-prisoner attacks. We need experienced officers, more community-based rehabilitation and behaviour programmes to reduce the violence.
This is a topic I normally would not choose but the problems in prisons in Holland have been in the newspapers several times this week too. I do not know Parc Prison so I cannot say what is going wrong there but I do think that the problems are caused by overcrowded prisons. The people working in prisons have to take care of a lot of prisoners and to have everything work smoothly you have to be in control. In my opinion rehabilitation and behaviour programmes are a good solution, although I am not sure every prisoner will be willing to work with these programmes.
The number of prisoner-on-prisoner attacks has risen 48%. Leanne Wood blames the criminal justice system, they cause chronically overcrowded prisons. Minister David Hanson (MP) says that reducing the violence is a priority. The biggest problem in Wales is the privately run ‘Parc-prison’. Although the number of prisoner-on-officer has fallen, as well as the self-harm cases, most of these incidents take place in Parc-prison. Ms Wood says that because of the overcrowded prisons it is difficult to maintain control and this explains the increasing number of prisoner-on-prisoner attacks. We need experienced officers, more community-based rehabilitation and behaviour programmes to reduce the violence.
This is a topic I normally would not choose but the problems in prisons in Holland have been in the newspapers several times this week too. I do not know Parc Prison so I cannot say what is going wrong there but I do think that the problems are caused by overcrowded prisons. The people working in prisons have to take care of a lot of prisoners and to have everything work smoothly you have to be in control. In my opinion rehabilitation and behaviour programmes are a good solution, although I am not sure every prisoner will be willing to work with these programmes.
Woman perform much better at University'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/8085011.stm
Girls or, better said female students, are taking over places at university but are less likely to graduate than students from the opposite sex. 49% of the women have been attending universities, compared to (only) 38% of the males. Also there has been a rise in high occupations for the women; they seem to be everywhere. At this moment there is no clear reason how this phenomenon has come to stand. One reason given was that the kind of exams would fit the women better, but this has not only happened in the UK, there is a worldwide rise. Though it seems that boys would have an advantage in learning, girls develop different and are capable of achieving more, due to more practical learning.
I think it is good that women are achieving more and ‘taking’ over universities. Is there a reason to bother? I would say no, because women’s rights have been neglected and ignored for hundreds of years, so there you have your traditional influence why universities normally would consist of males. Now since the tradition of housewives is fading in to dust, they are also willing to work hard, to make a career and to achieve what I would call: a high position on society’s market.
Girls or, better said female students, are taking over places at university but are less likely to graduate than students from the opposite sex. 49% of the women have been attending universities, compared to (only) 38% of the males. Also there has been a rise in high occupations for the women; they seem to be everywhere. At this moment there is no clear reason how this phenomenon has come to stand. One reason given was that the kind of exams would fit the women better, but this has not only happened in the UK, there is a worldwide rise. Though it seems that boys would have an advantage in learning, girls develop different and are capable of achieving more, due to more practical learning.
I think it is good that women are achieving more and ‘taking’ over universities. Is there a reason to bother? I would say no, because women’s rights have been neglected and ignored for hundreds of years, so there you have your traditional influence why universities normally would consist of males. Now since the tradition of housewives is fading in to dust, they are also willing to work hard, to make a career and to achieve what I would call: a high position on society’s market.
No junior price for kid of 1 m 49 in restaurant
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/10yearold-too-tall-for-restaurants-junior-price-1695833.html
Ben Gardner, 10 went with his family to the Angel Chef Chinese buffet restaurant in Gloucester for an evening last week. They wanted to take advantage of the half-price children’s meal but Ben did not get the discount because he was 9 cm over the 140 tall limit. The restaurant said that there is a sign at the front of the restaurant informing customers of the children’s price height rule. Ben’s dad is very angry about this situation and cannot understand why the restaurant came up with this height rule.
When I read this article it shocked me because I have never heard about the height rule. I think it is a stupid rule who made it. A child cannot help it that he is growing too fast, it is not his fault. He is just a 10 year old boy who went to a restaurant to have a nice meal but in case of that the restaurant spoiled his evening. I can understand why Ben’s dad is angry, because he always went to Chinese restaurant and there was no problem and now suddenly there is a big problem because of Ben’s height.
Ben Gardner, 10 went with his family to the Angel Chef Chinese buffet restaurant in Gloucester for an evening last week. They wanted to take advantage of the half-price children’s meal but Ben did not get the discount because he was 9 cm over the 140 tall limit. The restaurant said that there is a sign at the front of the restaurant informing customers of the children’s price height rule. Ben’s dad is very angry about this situation and cannot understand why the restaurant came up with this height rule.
When I read this article it shocked me because I have never heard about the height rule. I think it is a stupid rule who made it. A child cannot help it that he is growing too fast, it is not his fault. He is just a 10 year old boy who went to a restaurant to have a nice meal but in case of that the restaurant spoiled his evening. I can understand why Ben’s dad is angry, because he always went to Chinese restaurant and there was no problem and now suddenly there is a big problem because of Ben’s height.
150 years of Big Ben: A celebration
Big Ben will celebrate its 150th anniversary tomorrow. Nowadays the name Big Ben, formerly known as the Great Bell, is often used to describe the tower, one of the country's most famous and most photographed landmarks. The origin of the name is thought to come from Sir Benjamin Hall, the First Commissioner of Works and Public Buildings, whose name is inscribed on the bell.
Mike McCann, Keeper of the Great Clock, said: "After 150 years, Big Ben still holds a special place in the hearts of Londoners and the world as a magnificent example of engineering and building genius." Over the years, several bells have hung in the tower, and various ringing mechanisms have been in use.
I truly think it is amazing that the Big Ben is still working after a century and a half. It truly is, as the article states, an amazing feat of technology and architecture. I've been to the tower myself a couple of times when I stayed in London, and I have to say that I think it's really an impressive sight. When you take some time to look at this building, its splendour strikes your mind. All the numbers in the article are quite captivating, yet it is a bit too much. The article could've been written in a more entertaining way , yet it was very informative.
Mike McCann, Keeper of the Great Clock, said: "After 150 years, Big Ben still holds a special place in the hearts of Londoners and the world as a magnificent example of engineering and building genius." Over the years, several bells have hung in the tower, and various ringing mechanisms have been in use.
I truly think it is amazing that the Big Ben is still working after a century and a half. It truly is, as the article states, an amazing feat of technology and architecture. I've been to the tower myself a couple of times when I stayed in London, and I have to say that I think it's really an impressive sight. When you take some time to look at this building, its splendour strikes your mind. All the numbers in the article are quite captivating, yet it is a bit too much. The article could've been written in a more entertaining way , yet it was very informative.
Ways to prevent Terror attacks against human rights?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/jun/10/control-orders-breach-terror-suspects-rights
In a case of three convicted terrorists, judges have ruled for a retrial, saying that use of secret evidence would result in an unfair trial. The three had protested that they did not get a summary of the evidence ruling against them. The judges had also ruled, two years ago that an eighteen hour curfew was against a human rights convention. However these control orders, such as a curfew, phone monitoring and bans on travelling, internet or phone use, are only used to limit the risk formed by suspected terrorists, who could not be properly detained or prosecuted. In using these control orders, the government relies on very sensitive intelligence.
This is a difficult thing to debate about, on the one hand I think that measures such as these are neccesary precautions. However on the other hand, as has been commented by various other people such as politicans, it is cases like these that allow the government to take up the right way, respect human rights and fight terrorism within the law. To my opinion though, that is easier said than done. Terrorists can be ruthless and if there are large numbers of lives at stake, I think that the law can be pushed aside for a moment. People may disagree with me on that, but I stick true to the principle of consequentialism, that the ends justifies the means.
In a case of three convicted terrorists, judges have ruled for a retrial, saying that use of secret evidence would result in an unfair trial. The three had protested that they did not get a summary of the evidence ruling against them. The judges had also ruled, two years ago that an eighteen hour curfew was against a human rights convention. However these control orders, such as a curfew, phone monitoring and bans on travelling, internet or phone use, are only used to limit the risk formed by suspected terrorists, who could not be properly detained or prosecuted. In using these control orders, the government relies on very sensitive intelligence.
This is a difficult thing to debate about, on the one hand I think that measures such as these are neccesary precautions. However on the other hand, as has been commented by various other people such as politicans, it is cases like these that allow the government to take up the right way, respect human rights and fight terrorism within the law. To my opinion though, that is easier said than done. Terrorists can be ruthless and if there are large numbers of lives at stake, I think that the law can be pushed aside for a moment. People may disagree with me on that, but I stick true to the principle of consequentialism, that the ends justifies the means.
Is roger Federer able to regain his Wimbledon Title again?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/jun/20/wimbledon-2009-roger-federer
This year, Roger Federer will have a chance to take back the top position from Nadal on Wimbledon 2009. Nadal had taken that position from him only a year ago, on Wimbledon 2008. Federer won his first Wimbledon in 2003, and from that moment on, his great talent has been recognized by many. He has been thankful to his trainer for always believing, and for several others as well. When Federer had four great years of tennis, people thought he would go down from there. But when Nadal lost in the fourth round of the French Open, Federer managed to become one of the very few men who won all four grand slam events. And now that Nadal will not participate in Wimbledon, Federer will have the chance to beat Sampras’s record of winning 14 major tournaments.
I do believe that Federer will have the chance to beat the mentioned record, set by Pete Sampras. I have seen him play on television several times, and I know that he is a very good tennis player. He is very close to Nadal in skill, and I think that they will remain that close until one of them stops. In my opinion, Federer will have a huge chance of success this Wimbledon and I do believe he is the biggest favourite for the title. Winning this title will be a great reward for him, I think. If I have the chance, I will be watching Wimbledon, and at least find out who will win; if it will indeed be Federer. I hope he will win.
To be honest I think that it's pretty ridiculous that every British citizen has to contribute to coughing up this huge amount of money simply because the English Government wanted pope Benedict to come to England. This visit is related to the Christian religion and there are lots of people who don't have any connection with religion or the Christian Religion at all and I think to force people to pay for an event like this, for something they do not even believe in, is just wrong. I think that it's also a ridiculous amount of money for the trip.
This year, Roger Federer will have a chance to take back the top position from Nadal on Wimbledon 2009. Nadal had taken that position from him only a year ago, on Wimbledon 2008. Federer won his first Wimbledon in 2003, and from that moment on, his great talent has been recognized by many. He has been thankful to his trainer for always believing, and for several others as well. When Federer had four great years of tennis, people thought he would go down from there. But when Nadal lost in the fourth round of the French Open, Federer managed to become one of the very few men who won all four grand slam events. And now that Nadal will not participate in Wimbledon, Federer will have the chance to beat Sampras’s record of winning 14 major tournaments.
I do believe that Federer will have the chance to beat the mentioned record, set by Pete Sampras. I have seen him play on television several times, and I know that he is a very good tennis player. He is very close to Nadal in skill, and I think that they will remain that close until one of them stops. In my opinion, Federer will have a huge chance of success this Wimbledon and I do believe he is the biggest favourite for the title. Winning this title will be a great reward for him, I think. If I have the chance, I will be watching Wimbledon, and at least find out who will win; if it will indeed be Federer. I hope he will win.
To be honest I think that it's pretty ridiculous that every British citizen has to contribute to coughing up this huge amount of money simply because the English Government wanted pope Benedict to come to England. This visit is related to the Christian religion and there are lots of people who don't have any connection with religion or the Christian Religion at all and I think to force people to pay for an event like this, for something they do not even believe in, is just wrong. I think that it's also a ridiculous amount of money for the trip.
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