Suspicious behaviour by student

http://www.telegraph.co.uk

Student who downloaded Al Qaeda magazine 'didn't know what it would contain'

The former Turkish student Hakan Ertakan claimed that he was just interested in , Al Quada's view and interpretation of the Islam.  He had burned the information on CD and used specialist software to eliminate it from his sister's computer. When the judge asked why he did this, he answered that he didn't want his sister to know.

The police found this material , while searching Etakan's family house. Besides the CD's they found other suspicious material such as a guide about making a bomb. Hakan Ertakan denies the possession of the evidence and the trial will be continued.


Personal opinion

Suspicious guy and incredible story. The student pretends as being naive about Jihad and Al Qaeda's view. This is strange because every intelligent muslim student knows the content of Al Qaeda, so he must have had bad intentions otherwise it's just stupid to download information about such a loaded issue.
I am curious about the next step in court and what will happen. It makes you feel safe that the Secret servive is still active, which is necessary especially regarding the upcoming Olympics. I hope nothing will happen, but this guy is someone to keep an eye on.

Drinking too much alcohol is dangerous

Drinker dies after downing pint of neat rum in front of his friends

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2159654/Drinker-dies-downing-pint-neat-rum-friends.html#ixzz1xrLqFnSxvhttp://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2159654/Drinker-dies-downing-pint-neat-rum-friends.html
by: Leon Watson

Andrew Thompson died after excessive drinking. He spent the night with friends and they had been drinking a lot. After a while his friends challenged him to drink a pint of rum. He fell immediately a sleep for hours , till his friends noticed that he looked very sick and they called an ambulance. Five days later he died in the hospital.

West Yorkshire Coroner said that Thompson was just a popular, healthy sportsman with  many friends, who was foolish to drink too much in company of his friends. Hincliff said that he hopes that this useless death will be a warning for others.

Personal opinion

How sad that a healthy young man died under pressure of friends, hopefully it set an example for others. Excessive drinking is a big problem especially for the youth. We have  to be aware of it and prevent. Perhaps the preventing campaigns need a more shocking element to wake up the people.  It is the best to start early with providing information at schools and again  parents have the responsibility to educate their children and set an example too. Sometimes I think we should be less forgiving  to people who drink too much .

 .

Young Children should be warned for internet abuse

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/9271616/Children-as-young-as-five-should-betaught-dangers-of-sexting.html

Peter Davies, ( the Association of Chief Police Officers ) said that young children have to be protected for the danger of indecent images on internet. Nowadays children aged  5 to 8  have access to all sex  sites, which they can copy easily. To warn the children for the dangers the organisation will send a film to primary schools.
Davies also said that the police has to be more alert as they have made too many failures. For example, they didn't do anthing about a case, which had been reported three times.  It would be more effective if the police cooperated with other areas. To trace missing children there will be started a help- line on the 25th of May.
Abuse on internet is as harmful as physical abuse. The fear and psychological pressure are even worse and mustn't be underestimated.
.

Personal opinion

It is scaring that children are exposed to these dangers., but it is for the parents to keep control on their children's internet behaviour. There are many things you can do to protect your child for internet abuse.   You can use a filter,  instal a timelimit or use a password. If you need a password to logg in the child can not use the computer in the absence of the parents.
It is a pity that children spend so much time on the computer besides abuse it causes other problems such as overweight and bad motor skills.

Protests against the Monarchy

Republicans ready to rebel against nation's jubilee fever

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/may/26/republicans-jubilee-protest-event

In reaction to the extravagant events of the Diamond Jubilee, the anti monarchists have organisized an 'alternative jubilee street party’. The party in the form of a picnic took place outside the house of the deputy prime minister Nick Cleqq.  This was the first of the eleven protests organisized by the UK uncut.

Graham Smith of Republic said that the British tradition of republicanism is growing and that the membership is tripled since the Royal wedding last year.  Many people are tired of the exaggerated pro royal PR.

At the same time it is difficult to get away from the "Jubilee fever",  as a primary school teacher told the Observer that they felt pressured by the parents when they decided to discuss The Jubilee , but not to celebrate.

Personal Opinion

After watching the Jubilee on television last week-end, this article comes to me as a surprise.  It looked as if whole Britain was celebrating it and that they all loved the queen.  It was good to see that the Jublilee united people at the shared lunch. Despite the rain the people were so enthusiastic.  Other British people I have spoken to gave me the same impression. They are proud of the Royal family.  

On the other hand, I agree with The Republicans and their arguments that the pro Royal PR is exaggerated, and that the costs of a monarchy are too high,  but I don’t know if a republic would be better.

Rescue of a 63 stone teenager

How the 63 stone teenager who had to be cut from her home in £100,000 rescue gorged on junk food served up by her mum
by: Luke Salkeld

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2149609/Georgia-Davis-Britains-fattest-teenager-cut-home-hadnt-outdoors-6-months.html#ixzz1x3EQDrw0

A large rescueteam was needed to get the 63 stone teenager Georgina Davis out of her house. The team had to knock down walls and built a bridge to carry the teenager away.
The teenager had to go the hospital for health problems.  It was the first time that she left her home in six months. Her mother felt guilty because she brought her daughter unhealthy fast food. She said that she and her daughter started confort eating when her husband died.  At that time Georgina was only 5 years old.

Georgina's previous efforts to loose weight didn't work out because she couldn't stick to to the 1500 calories diet, when she had to do it on her own and she missed the support of a coach


Personal Opinion

It is is terrible that a person can become so fat that they had to knock down walls to get her out of the house. I can't understand a mother who gluts her child because of her own grief. The mother is sick and irrisponsible because she almost killed her daughter. It wouldn't have come to such a climax,  if people in her neighbourhood had warned social Service before.

This event also shows that chatting on internet gives people the feeling to have lots of friends, otherwise Georgina couldn't have stayed at home for six months. I hope she has some real friend who will help her.

Britain is making up for The Torchrelay

London 2012 Olympics: Torch lands on British soil
by: Paul Kelso
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/9276109/London-2012-Olympics-Torch-lands-on-British-soil.html

On Friday night the aeroplane with the Olympic Flame has landed in Britain. The flame was lit a week  before at the openings ceremony in Athens. The transport was accompagnied by The Princess Royal, London mayor Boris Johnson, Sebastiaan Coe and David Beckham. Although Beckham's role has been discussed because of the shirt sales and filling stadium, his enormous celebrity must not be underestimated. "Sir Beckham",  is the only one who can let a whole school jump enthusiastically in the rain.

lord Coe,  a former Olympic athlete and chairman of the Olympic Committee said he hopes that the arrival of the Torch will be the real start for the Olympics. He has the experience that the Torchrelay has a great effect on the people and that it will connect them emotionally and prepare them for the Games.


Personal Opinion

It looks a bit extravagant that a Torch has been transported by an aeroplane accompagnied by celebrities and security. Therewith  the role of "Sir David" remains debatable.  On the other hand he is the person, who has the power to encourage the audience for the games.
I think the Torchrelay itself is an important happening, based on the ancient Greecs, who travelled  across the country to declare peace a month before the Olympic Games. The essential meaning of the Relay is also beautiful,  to unite the world and bring peace, goodwill and friendship. Who doesn't want that?

Increasing the alcohol price will save lives

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2144186/No-happy-hour-Minimum-alcohol-price-Scotland-set-50p-unit.html

Scots set to go on cross-border booze raids after Scottish government sets cheapest price of alcohol higher than England's in minimum price crackdown
By Claire Bates

The Scottish government will increase the alcohol price to 50 p per unit. This measure has to be taken due to the extreme alcohol consumption of many Scottish. The Scottish Health Secretary,  Nicola Stugeon said that there is a clear relationship  between the low alcohol prices and the alcohol abuse, which is shown in the  increasing number of  alcohol-related admissions in hospital and the crimes under influence of alcohol.

It is the second time that The Alcohol Minimum Pricing Billl is proposed in the Parliament. The first time the Labour Party was the only one that did  not support the Bill. The goverment has taken previous measures to decrease the alcohol abuse such as: to forbid irresponsible promotion , discount deals and verification of the age. This time they have to do something more structural

Personal Opinion

I am not sure if this "Bill" will help, it is the same with  people who smoke,  they  will do it anyway even if they have to pay more or ride miles for it. It is also the case in Sweden, where the alcohol is very expensive and the Swedish have become famous for their extreme alcohol consumption.
I am wondering why the Scottish drink so much? Is it only because of the "low" prices and habits,  or  are there different reasons like unemployment , mental issues etc.  It would be better to do something more about the causes and help the people than only combat the consequences.

Second chance to buy tickets for the Olympics

900.000 Olympic tickets go on sale this Friday

 The Independant        by Martin Zieger                                               8 May 2012
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/olympics/900000-olympic-tickets-to-go-on-sale-this-friday-7722471.html

On Friday the 11th of may there will be a second chance for people who couldn’t get tickets the first time because of a failure of the ticket system. The people will get the opportunity to buy tickets within 31 hours before it is accessible for others.  Every person can buy no more than 4 tickets.  

London 2012 chairman Sebastruan said that the organization has decided to give the buyers a second chance to make up the ticket problems they had before. To prevent new problems by an overloaded system,  tickets for different sports will be on sale every day. The final ticket sale willl be closer to the Games when there is more known about the venues.

Personal Opinion

I heard about the problems with the tickets from people who live in london, it was a complete mess the inhabitans couldn't buy any tickets, only for cycling or hockey. The man I spoke was very disappointed and  angry. I am wondering if he is  now one of the "lucky" ones, who gets another chance. It is also amazing that the sale of tickets for such a big event is so bad organised, that everyone experience such problems. Nevertheless,  it was a nice gesture from the organisation to give the disappointed buyers a new chance.

William angry about Diana's Panorama interview

William 'deeply upset' by Diana's Panorama interview

Telegraph                   5 May 2012
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/9247525/William-deeply-upset-by-Dianas-Panorama-interview.html

 Prince William was very confused by the Panorama interview.  According to Penny Junor in her new biography about Lady Diana. At that time Prince William was 12 years old . He was surprised and disappointed about his mothers openess regarding her mariage problems.

Before the interview , William's house master at Eton asked Diana to explain what the interview would be about, just to reassure William.   Diana said that there would not be anything controversial. Her son would be proud of his mother.

When the BBC broadcast the interview it appeared to be a complete revelation for an huge audience, in which Diana told about her husband's affaire with Camilla  Parker. The young William was very angry and felt betrayed by his mother. He couldn't understand why his mother said this on TV.

Penny Junor also says in her biography that Diana had taken her son from school for an official duty, which wasn't allowed because the first time that William would make a royal visit had to be with his father.


Personal opinion

I can understand William , who felt betrayed by his mother. How could she do this,  talk to the whole world about their marital problems.  I can also understand Lady Diana as she wanted to tell the truth about her husband's  hypocracy and the fact that he betrayed her with another woman.

Unfortunately,  at that time Diana was already public posession. As the people knew everything about her , she hardly had a private life. She was constantly followed by the press( paparazzi),  which finally led to her death. Perhaps she had no choice and wanted the public to know her last "secret", even with the consequence that her son would see it too.

Disgrace in The Catholic Church

Cardinal Brady'will not resign over 'abuse failure'

BBC news      2 May 2012

BBC article 17921673       

In response to the publications in the BBC's This World programme about the paedophile priest Brendan Smith , Cardinal Sean Brady has declared that he will not resign . He admitted that at the time he had taken part in an unhelpful culture of respect and secrecy in society and culture.

He said that he couldn't stop Brendan Smith because he didn't have the authority. He also blamed the others who actually had the power to stop the priest, but didn't do anything with the information Brady gave them.

The BBC investigation showed that Brady had distorted the facts and withheld the names and adresses of the victims.
Different victims of sexual abuse say that Brady should resign. He did nothing to protect the children, but he kept his mouth shut to save his own career.

Personal Opinion

Of course Brady has to resign. It is unbelievable that he withheld information and failed to help the victims and prevent others for being abused.  This information could have saved many children. Now their lives are ruined. You can't imagine that something like that would happen to your child.

Lately there has been so much negative publicity about the ( Catholic) church in relation to sexual abuse that I lost my faith in it. Every time I see pictures in the news paper or on TV,  it reminds me of these horrible things.
The first thing the church should do is to ban celibacy because it is unnatural and partly responsible for this extreem sexual behaviour.

Model, 19 died of consequences of anorexia

Anorexia tragedy of teenage covergirl
By: Andrew Levy

Daily Mail                                                          monday 30 April 2012

Dailymail newsarticle 2137423

Bethaney Wallace,  a model died of heart problems due to the consequences of anorexia. she started her career at age of 12 as a teenage model. Her food problems began when she was 16 , after she got a glendular fever. She wanted to put on weight again. Since that moment eating became a struggle for life. She had been suffering from bulima and anorexia for years.

Her death was even more tragic because it seemed as if she was at a turning point. She was getting over it and she felt stronger than in years. Unfortunately, as a spokesman of eating disorder said;"  bulima and anorexia take a huge toll on the body over a period of time" and  Bethaney's heart was so weakened that she died in her sleep.

Personal Opinion

I think that is terrible that a 19 year old girl died of underweight. I also think that it is irresponsible to become a model at the age of 12. I would never let my daughter do this because it would influence her schoolwork and her self-image. Moreover I found it empty if you are only busy with your appearance. It didn't bring Bethaney much luck, although everyone said she was beautiful she was always insecure about herself.

It is a fact that every year (mostly) girls die of the consequences of eating disorders. Parents and teachers can help them by being alert and act when necessary.

Threat of Floods in the UK

Drought- hit areas of England told to prepare for floods
The Guardian                           Friday 27 April 2012

The Guardian article drought-hit-england-floods

People in the southern and east of England have been warned for flooding. April was already a very wet and cold month, but last Wednesday the rain became so heavy that it led to flood warnings and alerts in southern England.

Nick Prebble said that the rain in April was 175 percent more than normal.
Nevertheless environment secretary Caroline Spelman said that the rain would not stop the draught and the water companies did well to install the hose pipe ban.

Because of the draught of two winters the ground is so dry that it can not easily absorb the enormous amounts of water.
Besides the heavy rain there was a strong wind, which felt almost as an orkan and caused a lot of damage.


My opinion

I find it amazing that there can be such a difference in climat, from extreme draught to floods. It would scare me if this happened in our country. I also realize that this is a serious problem for all of us. Climat change has a lot of consequences and we are all responsible for the causes.

 I feel sorry for the British people and I read that the government has to spend more money on revising the outdated drainage system and that the people themselves can "prevent" flooding if they don't pave over their garden.