Has Britain Got Talent or what...

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/simon-cowell-calls-in-police-over-claims-2292561.html

Summary:

Ronan Parke is a twelve-year old boy who won the last viewers’ vote which put him in the final of Britain’s Got Talent. It is now said that the boy has ties with one of the panel judges, Simon Cowell. The latter’s firm Syco allegedly prepared the boy for stardom and taught him how to play the audience. Mr. Cowell has made an allegation of malicious communications to the police and has announced he would take legal action if the allegations continued. Ronan Parke’s family also deny any previous connection with Mr. Cowell or his company Syco.

Reaction:

To me, this article confirms two believes I have. First, TV contests are fixed ,or at least manipulated, to increase the viewing rate. This adorable boy is an attraction so the show cannot afford losing him. Second, it has become more difficult to protect yourself from rumours. Gossip is nothing new of course but the internet spreads them quicker and to a broader audience. Let me try and see whether I can add a twist to this story... What if the broadcast company spread the rumour itself? Is this not the best free advertisement anyone could wish for? Anyways, I hope the other contestant wins and Ronan can live the life of a twelve-year old again.    

Wootton Bassett mourns

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/a-silent-tribute-then-a-burst-of-applause-as-marines-repatriated-2292451.html

Summary:

The bodies of two deceased Marines in Afghanistan arrived yesterday in Wootton Bassett. The bells marked the arrival of the coffins and the hundreds of mourners, gathered to salute the fallen and to support the families, remain silent and solemn. The two Marines were killed together in Helmand by an explosive device while clearing an area from insurgents. Several others were injured, amongst whom the son of the Church of Scotland Chief. Both Marines were spoken highly of by friends and colleagues. One of the fallen marines had been awarded a Military Cross and leaves behind a one-year old son.   

Reaction:

Horrible news of course, it brings tears to my eyes when I think of the families and friends but that is not what caught my attention. The article started with the sentence: Even by Wootton Bassett standards […]. Ehhm, Wootton Bassett standards…. what is that? Wikipedia is a brilliant way to get a quick answer and I am even more intrigued by this article. I read on and find more expressions and words that are new to me. A cortege arrives and the standards are dipped, roses are being placed on the hearses; the dictionary gives me the solution. From now on, I will always link these words with the death of these two Marines.

Oldham revisited

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/oldham-a-town-still-divided-2289002.html

Summary:

Ten years ago, the Manchester area became the scene of racial riots between the white and Asian communities. An evaluation of the riots revealed that the underlying cause was the parallel lives the two societies led. Another report claimed that Asian people had chosen to live apart instead of mixing with the white community. Recent studies, however, question the conclusions of the initial reports. The writer of the article travels to the Greater Manchester area to find out where the truth lays. His conclusion is that the first reports were too simplistic in their conclusions but he also found evidence of a segregated community.

Reaction:

The fact that there were race riots in the UK in the twenty first century is shockingly enough but it is the conclusions in the reports that made things worse! The British right used these findings to point the finger at the immigrants and I think the white community felt comforted by the conclusions; so it isn’t our fault because they, the others, don’t want to live in our neighbourhood. It is not much different in our country though, in my opinion it has become more and more accepted to utter your (unfounded) opinion about ethnic groups here.

Three strikes is out.

http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/leading-articles/leading-article-chris-huhne-the-untold-story-2290327.html

Summary:

The Energy and Climate Change Secretary in ‘the greenest government ever’ is a Liberal Democrat called Chris Huhne. He has booked two important victories recently; by 2025, a cut of 50% of greenhouse gas emission will have been realized and the Green Investment Bank will be given more possibilities to add to a greener economy. However, he may be forced to resign because he is accused of perverting the course of justice. A speeding offence took three points off his driving licence eight years ago and now his wife claims that he tried to persuade others to take the penalty points and that is considered a serious offence.   

Reaction:

It is so hard to defend yourself against the accusations of another person. This is even more difficult when you are in politics because no one trusts a politician, right? I read some more about Mr. Huhne and I found out he is rich, was investigated during the expense claims scandal and he and his wife are going through a divorce at the moment because he is having an affair. So now I have another choice to make;  do I believe a very wealthy politician or a hard-broken, jealous ex-wife? Whatever the outcome of the investigation, this man is scarred for the rest of his  political life.

Sorry, too old...

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/lost-generationof-older-workers-is-stuck-on-the-dole-2290409.html

Summary:

Figures suggest that unemployment levels are stable. There are concerns that the youngest generation will become ‘the lost generation’, but a variety of incentives must prevent this from happening.  Several organizations have expressed their concern, however, about unemployed of fifty years and older. Employers are unwilling to hire an older employee for a number of reasons, which is why the number of over-50 unemployed that has been out of a job, has risen to almost 50%. Only two years ago this figures was around 30%. The majority of elder jobseekers thinks they are considered too old while almost half of them believe employers see them as too experienced or too expensive.

Reaction:

Being unemployed is always unpleasant, no matter which age you are. Every time you receive a letter of rejection, a little bit of your self-esteem is being cut off. When you are young it is because of lack of experience and when you are older companies might fear health issues or unfamiliarity with new technology. That is the climate now and I wonder how this fits the plans of the Government to extend a person’s working life. When employers are unwilling to hire a fifty-five year old, what are the changes these employers will recruit sixty-five year olds in the future?   

Wild Thing

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/government-rejects-ban-on-wild-animals-in-circuses-2283730.html

Summary:

In Britain, around twenty wild animals are still performing in three circuses. It concerns animals like tigers, snakes and zebras. The majority of the British public support a ban on wild animals in circuses but today the Government ruled otherwise. Instead of introducing a ban, which was expected until recently, environment ministers opt for inspecting and licensing the animals. Consultants will assess transportation and treatment to ensure a certain quality of life. Animal Welfare Organizations expressed their concern about this option, claiming it does not improve animal welfare and only creates a great deal of bureaucracy in comparison with the industry.

Opinion:

It has been a while since I last visited a circus show but I don’t think the absence of wild animals will make it a less interesting experience. Animals belong in their natural habitats, a zoo might be acceptable because the majority of the zoos create an environment that is similar to the animal’s natural habitat. Capturing animals in order to teach them tricks and perform for us, however, is something I cannot see the point of. Apparently, the responsible ministers were in favour of a ban but switched sides at the last minute. The circus lobby probably convinced them that the animal rights were not violated at all....

 

The Greenest Government Ever?

http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/johann-hari/up-in-flames-camerons-pledge-to-lead-the-greenest-government-ever-2283861.html

Summary:

In order to meet the demand for energy, David Cameron has launched a plan to drill for gas near Lancashire. The huge reservoir found there is trapped, however, under very hard rock and only a disputed method of drilling will gain access to the gas; hydraulic fracturing, or fracking for short. By causing a little earthquake, this method will break the rock and thus allow the gas to escape. The use of a variety of chemicals is necessary and it is said this will lead to contamination of water and air and destabilize the climate. Studies in the US revealed alarming levels of toxics in the water and in the air.

Opinion:

The opinion of the writer of the article is clear: David Cameron, are you insane? This type of oil-drilling in deep water has caused a disaster in the Gulf of Mexico and in places in the US where this method has been used, the water is  smelling of gas and actually combusts when it gets near fire! The drilling companies will  tell you that everything is safe and the method has been used for many years but I believe energy won from wind, water or sun are a safer bet than squeezing the soil for every drop of oil or gas.

Super Thursday

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/av/super-thursday-and-the-stakes-are-high-2279170.html

Summary:

The Britons hold a referendum today in order to vote in favour or against an alternative voting system, referred to as AV. The referendum is held together with local elections in the four British states. The current voting system, known as first-past-the-pole, is unfair and does not represent the actual votes by the public, according to the Yes-camp. Both Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband, leaders of respectively the Liberal Democrats and Labour, are in favour of AV while Prime Minister David Cameron leads the No lobby. According to the last polls two-third of the British public will reject the AV which might mean a change in politics is unlikely in the near future.

Opinion:

The first-past-the-pole system is so unfair, I cannot understand why anyone would like to keep it! The winner takes it all, even when the majority of the public voted against him, is that not strange? Had the Netherlands had this system, it would have meant that the VVD did not have to find coalition partners but just rule on its own for four years, even though the majority of the Dutch voted for other political parties. One positive point is that the formation of a new government is shift so it does not disrupt the political life of the nation.

Home Sweet Home

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/majority-of-britons-think-property-is-overvalued-2275352.html

Summary:

A survey, conducted by property website Rightmove, reveals that fifty percent of the British public think the property is overvalued. This percentage rises to about 66% when the it comes to first-time buyers and to around 60% when the respondent lives in London. Around 75% of the people in the UK do not believe, however, prices will drop this year; it will either remain unchanged or increase. According to these people this is due to the improving market (around 50%) or less strict policy on mortgages (around 25%). The quarter of the people who believe prices will fall predict a worse economic situation (nearly 60%) and do not expect an increase in mortgage availability (23%).

Opinion:

What surprises me in the article is the fact that an earlier survey revealed that the amount of unsold property had risen to the highest number in four years. Meanwhile, the price of a new property on the market rose again with an average of 1.7%. I understand that sellers want the best price they can get for their property but to me it feels more like one of the cardinal sins: greed. It is impossible that the prices keep rising, I believe and when will we reach the point that the whole housing market will collapse? It is just a matter of time….

Hot Easter weather causes health problems

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/smog-alert-britains-lung-weekend-2272614.html

Summary:
The sunny weather forecast for this Easter weekend means good news for the millions of vacationers who enjoy the long bank holiday. All over the UK temperatures will rise above 20C, although isolated showers are possible. But this hottest Easter weekend ever has a downside too; due to the heavy holiday traffic and the still, hot weather there is a substantial rise in air pollution. The high level of ozone and ultra-fine particles may cause respiratory problems in people who suffer from asthma or other conditions. Cases of sunburn and dehydration are another concern. Despite warnings to use sun cream  and to limit the exposure to the sun, many cases of sunburn and dehydration have been reported already.

Reaction:
In Mexico I lived four blocks from the white, sandy beach and the bluest sea possible, in a booming city with loads of tourists and great weather all year round. Our favourite game was guessing which country the wandering tourists came from and the easiest to spot were always the tomato-red Brits. They baked for hours and hours without using protection against the blazing Mexican sun and continued doing so their entire holiday! Now Britain has a couple of days of sunshine and this already creates problems. Maybe it is a good thing the UK has not too many sun hours a year so they can keep the cases of skin cancer to a minimum.

Kiss-in results in closed doors

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/soho-pub-shuts-its-doors-hours-before-gay-kissing-protest-2268623.html

Summary:

The management of a pub in Soho forcibly removed two guests because of obscene behavior;  James and Jonathan were out on their first date and their kissing in public caused their removal. Word of their ejection was spread rapidly on social networking sites and quickly protest was organized. About three hundred people arrived at the pub to start a kiss-in but the management closed the doors after learning of the demonstration. Although the original plan to fill the pub and fell through, the huge response to the call and the closure of the pub are considered a success for the gay right movement.

Opinion:

The question one asks oneself is whether the management would have decided to remove the couple if they had been a guy and a girl. This reeks of discrimination and the management should have thought better before handling it the way they did. I am not a great fan of watching couples (gay or not) kiss in public but one can always choose to look the other way or ignore the scene. What amazes and frightens me in this story is the power of social networking sites. This is for a cause I can understand but what if we decide to hunt down alleged rapists, pedophiles or murderers this way?

UK stillbirths rates

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-13068789

Summary:
Although the number of stillbirths in the UK is declining compared to 1995, this country has more stillborn infants than other western countries. There are regional differences but it is unclear what causes these differences. A third of all stillbirths have no obvious cause though there are risk factors such as smoking or drinking. About two third of all stillborns had issues involving the placenta, the umbilical cord or infections. More research is needed but women who want to become pregnant are encouraged to embrace a healthy lifestyle and once they are pregnant they should be aware of reduction in the baby’s movement. Support for families who have to coop with this tragedy is important.

Opinion:
There are three major steps in becoming a parent: conception, nine months of carrying the baby and giving birth. Science has taken big steps when it comes to creating babies in test-tubes and this is excellent news for everybody who desperately wants to become pregnant. During the pregnancy there are several ways to ensure that the foetus grows and develops according to the standards. But when it comes to the final stage, giving birth, obstetricians let nature take its course. Is it not time to modernize these medieval practices? It might help reduce the number of stillbirths and the agony of women in labour.