Thursday 2 September 2010
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/sep/02/john-traynor-arrested-in-netherlands
John Trainer was detained just outside Amsterdam, in a joint operation between Dutch police and Uk´s Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca).
He is a convicted criminal who had fled prison after serving just one year out of a seven-year sentence. He was released temporarily, went to Ireland and did not return to prison. The Uk police was looking for him for 18 years now. He had been living in the Netherlands for a number of years, police believe. He is awaiting his extradition to serve the rest of his sentence. He was involved in the investigation by the journalist Veronica Guerin, who was shot dead in 1996.
I remember I saw the movie based on the investigation of the journalist Veronica Guerin. She was very courageous. This John Trainer must be a dangerous figure. Especially when they are on the run, they would do the most terrible things, just to stay out of prison. I bet he has more on his conscience, than his remaining punishment. I am glad the police finally caught him. He has to serve his remaining sentence just like any other criminal should have.
Another closed case for the police and for us a safer neighbourhood.
donderdag 2 september 2010
William Hague's special advisor resigns over 'untrue' allegations
01 Sep 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/william-hague/7975823/William-Hagues-special-advisor-resigns-over-untrue-allegations.html
William Hague hired this Christopher Myers as his special advisor and personal driver during the re election period. His employing Myers has caused him criticism, because he already had two special advisors.
A well-known political blogger claimed that they had spent the night together in a hotel room during the election campaign. This allegation
led to the resignation of Myers. There were rumours about the closeness of the two around their workplace and on the internet. Mr Hague denied
having any inappropriate relationship with a staff member, and made clear that his marriage was still strong.
When I read this I thought: All this fuzz about nothing! There was no hard evidence about the implications. And without it, everything is gossip. It is terrible to change people’s live based on malicious interpretations of situations. Maybe they are just very good friends. I admit it was poor judgment of Mr Hague to share a hotel room with another man, he should have been more careful in regard to his position. His wife is the one who certainly knows better about all this. Not because two men are close that means they are homosexuals.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/william-hague/7975823/William-Hagues-special-advisor-resigns-over-untrue-allegations.html
William Hague hired this Christopher Myers as his special advisor and personal driver during the re election period. His employing Myers has caused him criticism, because he already had two special advisors.
A well-known political blogger claimed that they had spent the night together in a hotel room during the election campaign. This allegation
led to the resignation of Myers. There were rumours about the closeness of the two around their workplace and on the internet. Mr Hague denied
having any inappropriate relationship with a staff member, and made clear that his marriage was still strong.
When I read this I thought: All this fuzz about nothing! There was no hard evidence about the implications. And without it, everything is gossip. It is terrible to change people’s live based on malicious interpretations of situations. Maybe they are just very good friends. I admit it was poor judgment of Mr Hague to share a hotel room with another man, he should have been more careful in regard to his position. His wife is the one who certainly knows better about all this. Not because two men are close that means they are homosexuals.
House prices fall again in August, says Nationwide
2 September 2010
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11161166
Since February 2009, it is the first time that house prices have declined two months in a row. In July the fall was of 0.5% and August 0.9%. Prices are being expected to fall between 3% and 5% during the second half of 2010 and another 5% next year, according to Howard Archer, chief economist at HIS Global Insight. At the moment the average house price is just over £166,500. Martin Gahbauer, the chief economist at Nationwide made clear that the actual development is just a correction, because last year house prices had advance ahead of the recovery of the general economy.
For home owners this is not a positive development but if you compare it with other European countries, where house prices are falling dramatically, this is not bad at all. An average house price of £166,500 if you convert the currency to euro it is almost 200.000. Now it is a good time to buy a house , because there is a large selection to choose from. As a home owner I would not just sell right at the moment. I would wait for the economy to stabilize first.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11161166
Since February 2009, it is the first time that house prices have declined two months in a row. In July the fall was of 0.5% and August 0.9%. Prices are being expected to fall between 3% and 5% during the second half of 2010 and another 5% next year, according to Howard Archer, chief economist at HIS Global Insight. At the moment the average house price is just over £166,500. Martin Gahbauer, the chief economist at Nationwide made clear that the actual development is just a correction, because last year house prices had advance ahead of the recovery of the general economy.
For home owners this is not a positive development but if you compare it with other European countries, where house prices are falling dramatically, this is not bad at all. An average house price of £166,500 if you convert the currency to euro it is almost 200.000. Now it is a good time to buy a house , because there is a large selection to choose from. As a home owner I would not just sell right at the moment. I would wait for the economy to stabilize first.
woensdag 1 september 2010
Rise in bedbugs prompts 'pandemic' fears
01 Sep 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/7974512/Rise-in-bedbugs-prompts-pandemic-fears.html
In a year the bedbug’s population has increased with 24%, according to pest controllers reports. They incline to enter homes by clothes and furniture, but they also move through walls and floors cavities from property to property. The epidemic started in America where the numbers are the highest since the Second World War. A recent international survey by the National Pest Management Association and the University of Kentucky concerning this issue concluded that “the world could be on the verge of a bedbug pandemic.” In Britain millions of bugs are expected to be transported in the clothing of travelling tourists during the 2012 Olympics.
Well maybe Britain can start by taking action against these bugs being transported by tourists during the Olympics. By making posters and putting ads on television to make tourists aware, of the fact that they are not travelling alone. Maybe it is a good idea to make pesticide that is not harmful to humans in the form of tablets to be put in the luggage. The idea that they feed on our blood, already makes me itch. A consolation? At least you are not sleeping in bed alone.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/7974512/Rise-in-bedbugs-prompts-pandemic-fears.html
In a year the bedbug’s population has increased with 24%, according to pest controllers reports. They incline to enter homes by clothes and furniture, but they also move through walls and floors cavities from property to property. The epidemic started in America where the numbers are the highest since the Second World War. A recent international survey by the National Pest Management Association and the University of Kentucky concerning this issue concluded that “the world could be on the verge of a bedbug pandemic.” In Britain millions of bugs are expected to be transported in the clothing of travelling tourists during the 2012 Olympics.
Well maybe Britain can start by taking action against these bugs being transported by tourists during the Olympics. By making posters and putting ads on television to make tourists aware, of the fact that they are not travelling alone. Maybe it is a good idea to make pesticide that is not harmful to humans in the form of tablets to be put in the luggage. The idea that they feed on our blood, already makes me itch. A consolation? At least you are not sleeping in bed alone.
Pakistan match-fixing claims: England players do not want to face accused trio
31 Aug 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/international/england/7974258/Pakistan-match-fixing-claims-England-players-do-not-want-to-face-accused-trio.html
The England players say they will not play against the three Pakistan players accused of
match-fixing, this is to prevent doubt about the credibility of the match. They took this stand, because they feel that the International Cricket Counsel is failing to take definite action against the three in this serious matter. They should be suspended or other measurement must be taken so they can not play upcoming Sunday in Cardiff. They will not refuse to play if no decision is taken, because they are professionals. But they think it is in everybody’s advantage if the suspects do not play.
I think that the three accused should not even travel with their team, until these accusations are cleared out. The Pakistan government is trying to create doubt saying that it could be a conspiracy against the team. It seems that this had happened in the past. But I reckon the chance very small that it is a conspiracy. Either way, it is about what should be done until the allegations are sort out. Until then, they should be put on none active.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/international/england/7974258/Pakistan-match-fixing-claims-England-players-do-not-want-to-face-accused-trio.html
The England players say they will not play against the three Pakistan players accused of
match-fixing, this is to prevent doubt about the credibility of the match. They took this stand, because they feel that the International Cricket Counsel is failing to take definite action against the three in this serious matter. They should be suspended or other measurement must be taken so they can not play upcoming Sunday in Cardiff. They will not refuse to play if no decision is taken, because they are professionals. But they think it is in everybody’s advantage if the suspects do not play.
I think that the three accused should not even travel with their team, until these accusations are cleared out. The Pakistan government is trying to create doubt saying that it could be a conspiracy against the team. It seems that this had happened in the past. But I reckon the chance very small that it is a conspiracy. Either way, it is about what should be done until the allegations are sort out. Until then, they should be put on none active.
First wave of 32 new-style academies open this week
1 September 2010
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-11151559
From the 32 new-style academies that open this term, seven are primary schools. Further, 110 schools will become academies later this year, from which 40 are primary schools and some grammar schools. The ones in favour of this new system say: that the schools will receive money directly from the government, but are not controlled by the local authorities. They are free to manage their academy according to their own needs, which will raise their school standards. Those against say: that the idea is a failure, because comparatively, out of more than 20.000 state schools in England, only a couple have opted for the academy status so far.
I would not say at this stage that it is a failure. Maybe the majority of the state schools are waiting to see if the ones opting for the academy are successful, before they decide themselves to join this new-style. I would do it, but it should be run by a good manager with economical sense. The success will depend on the sole capacity of the management where the investments will translate into poor, average or excellent results. This in turn will determine the status of the academy.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-11151559
From the 32 new-style academies that open this term, seven are primary schools. Further, 110 schools will become academies later this year, from which 40 are primary schools and some grammar schools. The ones in favour of this new system say: that the schools will receive money directly from the government, but are not controlled by the local authorities. They are free to manage their academy according to their own needs, which will raise their school standards. Those against say: that the idea is a failure, because comparatively, out of more than 20.000 state schools in England, only a couple have opted for the academy status so far.
I would not say at this stage that it is a failure. Maybe the majority of the state schools are waiting to see if the ones opting for the academy are successful, before they decide themselves to join this new-style. I would do it, but it should be run by a good manager with economical sense. The success will depend on the sole capacity of the management where the investments will translate into poor, average or excellent results. This in turn will determine the status of the academy.
Scientists attack court ruling against Barack Obama's stem cell policy
Tuesday 24 August 2010
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/aug/24/scientists-attack-stem-cells-ruling
Barack Obama wanted to expand medical research, in the exploration for cures to other primary diseases, by using the stem cells retrieved from human embryos. Opponents, formed by an alliance of Christian groups, went to court saying that Obama has trespassed the Dickey-Wicker amendment, which prohibits the use of goverments money for financing “research in which a human embryo or embryos are destroyed.” The court ruled in favour of the opponents. An opinion poll’s outcome last year found that 54% of Americans sustain these researches. Scientists were angry and criticized the order as being "deplorable" and "a serious setback."
I am in favour for medical research being done with human adult stem cells. When it comes to the use of embryonic cells where the embryo’s life is destroyed I am apprehensive, for life is sacred and cannot be used as a ‘disposable good,’ not even for the sake of science. They have to look for other methods to achieve similar outcome as by using embryonic cells. Therefore I am glad the judge ruled in favour of the opponents. In the Netherlands these researches are allowed. Nine members of the European Union disapprove of researches where embryonic cells are used.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/aug/24/scientists-attack-stem-cells-ruling
Barack Obama wanted to expand medical research, in the exploration for cures to other primary diseases, by using the stem cells retrieved from human embryos. Opponents, formed by an alliance of Christian groups, went to court saying that Obama has trespassed the Dickey-Wicker amendment, which prohibits the use of goverments money for financing “research in which a human embryo or embryos are destroyed.” The court ruled in favour of the opponents. An opinion poll’s outcome last year found that 54% of Americans sustain these researches. Scientists were angry and criticized the order as being "deplorable" and "a serious setback."
I am in favour for medical research being done with human adult stem cells. When it comes to the use of embryonic cells where the embryo’s life is destroyed I am apprehensive, for life is sacred and cannot be used as a ‘disposable good,’ not even for the sake of science. They have to look for other methods to achieve similar outcome as by using embryonic cells. Therefore I am glad the judge ruled in favour of the opponents. In the Netherlands these researches are allowed. Nine members of the European Union disapprove of researches where embryonic cells are used.
Man jailed for infecting teenager with HIV
Tuesday, 31 August 2010
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/man-jailed-for-infecting-teenager-with-hiv-2066813.html
The court sentenced this 31-year-old man to a year imprisonment after he had pleaded guilty of knowingly putting the life of a 19-year old woman at danger for contracting the HIV-virus. She got pregnant and after she had some blood tests became clear she has gotten the virus. Luckily the baby did not get infected. The judge also gave the man a five-year sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits him of having sex without proper protection or without telling his partners about the HIV-virus. He was also sentenced for another year for viciously attacking a man, proving that he is a menace to others.
This is your worst nightmare becomes true. It is terrible for that young girl, first knowing that you have contracted the virus and second having to live in fear that your unborn child can get it too. Thank God for the medical advances, which helps to prevent that unborn children get infected with such life- threatening diseases. That is a cruel reality that changes your live forever. Nonetheless she was brave enough, in spite of all, to bring her offender to trial. She has caused him not to be able to put other innocent women at risk.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/man-jailed-for-infecting-teenager-with-hiv-2066813.html
The court sentenced this 31-year-old man to a year imprisonment after he had pleaded guilty of knowingly putting the life of a 19-year old woman at danger for contracting the HIV-virus. She got pregnant and after she had some blood tests became clear she has gotten the virus. Luckily the baby did not get infected. The judge also gave the man a five-year sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits him of having sex without proper protection or without telling his partners about the HIV-virus. He was also sentenced for another year for viciously attacking a man, proving that he is a menace to others.
This is your worst nightmare becomes true. It is terrible for that young girl, first knowing that you have contracted the virus and second having to live in fear that your unborn child can get it too. Thank God for the medical advances, which helps to prevent that unborn children get infected with such life- threatening diseases. That is a cruel reality that changes your live forever. Nonetheless she was brave enough, in spite of all, to bring her offender to trial. She has caused him not to be able to put other innocent women at risk.
Grimsby pupil affair teacher given jail sentence
27 August 2010
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-11109762
A 29-year-old, drama teacher who admitted having a sexual relationship with one of
his pupils (a 15-year-old girl), was sentenced to six and a half years in prison. The affair came to light after they have been to an art festival. The affair had been going for a period of four months last year. After this became public, two other teenage girls aged, 14 and 15 came forward with the same accusations. They said they started to have consensual sexual contact in 2005 with this married teacher. He denied these accusations, but was still found guilty of offences in relation to them.
This is a scandalous matter. The reality is that it happens every now and then at secondary schools. The reason it shocks us that much is, that you think that your children are safe at school, being taught by responsible, morally correct individuals.
The only thing we can do as parents is to talk openly to our teenagers about these isolated cases with the intention of discouraging them of ever getting involved in an inappropriate way with an educator. Hopefully these talks can help the pupil to be alert and recognize the signals that can lead to such an affair.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-11109762
A 29-year-old, drama teacher who admitted having a sexual relationship with one of
his pupils (a 15-year-old girl), was sentenced to six and a half years in prison. The affair came to light after they have been to an art festival. The affair had been going for a period of four months last year. After this became public, two other teenage girls aged, 14 and 15 came forward with the same accusations. They said they started to have consensual sexual contact in 2005 with this married teacher. He denied these accusations, but was still found guilty of offences in relation to them.
This is a scandalous matter. The reality is that it happens every now and then at secondary schools. The reason it shocks us that much is, that you think that your children are safe at school, being taught by responsible, morally correct individuals.
The only thing we can do as parents is to talk openly to our teenagers about these isolated cases with the intention of discouraging them of ever getting involved in an inappropriate way with an educator. Hopefully these talks can help the pupil to be alert and recognize the signals that can lead to such an affair.
Al Fayed had 'cursed' Harrods' royal warrants burned
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11051964
22 August 2010
Mr Al Fayed told he gave order to remove the royal warrants from his store ´Harrods´ back in 2000, later he had them burned. Since the first one in 1913, the store had accumulated four warrants, each of them had to be renewed every five years. This renewal depends on how frequent the Royal Family shop at the store. He decided not to renew the warrants, because Prince Charles nor the Queen had used the store for several years. He said that the endorsements were a “curse” on te store, because after the removal their sell was three times as much.
I think that after the tragic death of his son and lady Diana, Mr Al Fayed became obsessed with this conspiracy idea. Maybe he is right, no one knows. I think it is time to let go. He has put so much energy and money to try to prove this, with no positive results. The burning of the warrants had nothing to do with rules of renewal, but with his personal grudge against Prince Charles and the Queen. He considers them responsible for the tragedy. Let it rest, I would say.
22 August 2010
Mr Al Fayed told he gave order to remove the royal warrants from his store ´Harrods´ back in 2000, later he had them burned. Since the first one in 1913, the store had accumulated four warrants, each of them had to be renewed every five years. This renewal depends on how frequent the Royal Family shop at the store. He decided not to renew the warrants, because Prince Charles nor the Queen had used the store for several years. He said that the endorsements were a “curse” on te store, because after the removal their sell was three times as much.
I think that after the tragic death of his son and lady Diana, Mr Al Fayed became obsessed with this conspiracy idea. Maybe he is right, no one knows. I think it is time to let go. He has put so much energy and money to try to prove this, with no positive results. The burning of the warrants had nothing to do with rules of renewal, but with his personal grudge against Prince Charles and the Queen. He considers them responsible for the tragedy. Let it rest, I would say.
Cannabis farm boom fuelling rise of violence in Britain
Tuesday, 17 August 2010
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/17/drugs-trade-drugs
Almost 7,000 plantations and factories of illegal cannabis were discovered in the past 12 months in Britain. According to the police, not only does the amount more than doubles the ones detected from 2007 to 2008, but this boom also brings about a current of violence. A report about this matter said that these businesses were still mostly run by Vietnamese and Chinese immigrants, but that more white British people than ever were also engaging into the trade. They are more and more arming themselves with machetes, shotguns and dangerous dogs to guard their factories from rivals trying to steal their merchandise.
I can imagine the concern about this. Not only are they dealing in illegal stuff, but they are now also armed to protect their crop from other gangs. This increases the potential of having a gunfight right in your street tremendously, because private homes are still the property of choice for those criminals to keep and cultivate their plants. We have the same problem in Holland. In fact I have experienced what it means to live in a neighbourhood where those criminals choose to put their trade. Luckily the gunfight was late at night when the children were already safe asleep.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/17/drugs-trade-drugs
Almost 7,000 plantations and factories of illegal cannabis were discovered in the past 12 months in Britain. According to the police, not only does the amount more than doubles the ones detected from 2007 to 2008, but this boom also brings about a current of violence. A report about this matter said that these businesses were still mostly run by Vietnamese and Chinese immigrants, but that more white British people than ever were also engaging into the trade. They are more and more arming themselves with machetes, shotguns and dangerous dogs to guard their factories from rivals trying to steal their merchandise.
I can imagine the concern about this. Not only are they dealing in illegal stuff, but they are now also armed to protect their crop from other gangs. This increases the potential of having a gunfight right in your street tremendously, because private homes are still the property of choice for those criminals to keep and cultivate their plants. We have the same problem in Holland. In fact I have experienced what it means to live in a neighbourhood where those criminals choose to put their trade. Luckily the gunfight was late at night when the children were already safe asleep.
Vatican says women priests a 'crime against faith'
15 Jul 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/vaticancityandholysee/7892666/Vatican-says-women-priests-a-crime-against-faith.html
In St Peter’s Square there was a protest calling to the Pope to permit women priests in the Roman Catholic Church in order to solve the persistent shortage in ministries worldwide. The Vatican made his position very clear, comparing the ordaining of women to ‘child abuse’ and by giving new rules that both ‘crimes’ should be investigated by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF). Excommunication was an automatic punishment for those women trying to be priests or the ones trying to ordain them. But this new rule condemned such an action as ‘a crime against sacraments.’
In ancient christian times women were not allowed to be priests. In the Bible there is nowhere to be found a woman being ordained to serve in the temple. These positions were always held by men. It is good to read that they hold a firm stance in this issue. But the joining with the Anglican priests whom are not happy with the Church of England may make it difficult to hold this stance. The possible join signifies a grow for the Catholic Church and I wonder if they can resist the temptation of power, and not succumbed by it.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/vaticancityandholysee/7892666/Vatican-says-women-priests-a-crime-against-faith.html
In St Peter’s Square there was a protest calling to the Pope to permit women priests in the Roman Catholic Church in order to solve the persistent shortage in ministries worldwide. The Vatican made his position very clear, comparing the ordaining of women to ‘child abuse’ and by giving new rules that both ‘crimes’ should be investigated by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF). Excommunication was an automatic punishment for those women trying to be priests or the ones trying to ordain them. But this new rule condemned such an action as ‘a crime against sacraments.’
In ancient christian times women were not allowed to be priests. In the Bible there is nowhere to be found a woman being ordained to serve in the temple. These positions were always held by men. It is good to read that they hold a firm stance in this issue. But the joining with the Anglican priests whom are not happy with the Church of England may make it difficult to hold this stance. The possible join signifies a grow for the Catholic Church and I wonder if they can resist the temptation of power, and not succumbed by it.
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