Blog Entry 14

Osborne axes hated 3p fuel hike for rest of year

With the upcoming Olympics and the summer holidays on the doorstep, conservative George Osborne has announced that the price of fuel will be frozen for the rest of the year. The plan of freezing the fuel prizes will cost about 500 million Pounds, but can be paid as a result of departmental savings. The Conservative MPs said that motorists “across the country” will welcome George Osborne’s decision. Because of this plan, the fuel duty would be 10 pence a litre lower than it would be under the plans suggested by Labour. Osborne said: “We are on the side of working families and businesses and this will fuel our recovery at this very difficult economic time for the world. A duty increase at the same time as the Olympics would have cast a shadow over the UK.”

Freezing the fuel prizes is always a good thing to do, of course! But, as stated in the full article, the tax per litre of fuel is now 60 per cent, which I find incredible high! I did a little research on this, for I find this interesting, and it seems that the increase will come to force next year after all. Also, the price per barrel oil will increase significantly, so I guess the 3p duty will be paid in extra tax on the profits of companies. So, in my book, in the case of fuel prizes, it is always too good to be true. A truly benefit would be to cut the prizes with 3 pence instead of freezing them. They always find a way to make up for their losses. Just…don’t own a car.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/politics/4396332/Joy-as-George-Osborne-scraps-hated-3p-fuel-hike-for-rest-of-year.html

Blog Entry 13

Pupil behaviour improving, suggests teacher survey

A survey of 1600 teachers from all around England, says that more teachers find the behaviour of pupils in England is getting better. Three in four teachers, that is 76%, rated behaviour as good or very good.  That is 6% more than 2008. Still, 6% find pupils’ behaviour poor to very poor. The survey was commissioned by the Department for Education. The teachers were increasingly satisfied with the behaviour at particular Primary Schools. In secondary schools 8% of teachers said behaviour was poor or very poor against a figure of 5% for primary teachers. Most teachers (85%) said that they feel well-equipped to handle unwanted behaviour. Most teachers say that they praise the pupils behaviour, but also use a reward system. Government advisor on behaviour Charlie Taylor said: "I am encouraged to see that teachers are feeling more in control of the classroom but more still needs to be done."We need to ensure trainee teachers are equipped with the right training in behaviour management."

I think those rates are quite good! It’s a good thing that the government wants more insight in pupils’ behaviour. I think this helps to improve schools and learning situation, as well as the work atmosphere for all those teachers. It kind of surprised me, for I thought schools in England were so strict! Of course, this is a prejudice, but it got me thinking. How would these rates compare with schools in the rest of Europe and Especially in Holland? I would like to know if it really does matter to wear a school uniform. Perhaps this survey doesn’t show in which schools pupils have to wear school uniforms, so, I’m not sure if that can be researched. But, it seems to go well in England.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-18591820

Blog Entry 12

Cow and woman found in Cambridgeshire Anglo-Saxon dig

An incredibly rare and interesting find is said to be genuinely bizarre. A group of students from Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Central Lancashire, found a woman, buried with a cow, while excavating an Anglo-Saxon cemetery in Cambridgeshire. They first though they had found a grave from a man with his horse, which is more common. Student Jake Nuttall said: "Male warriors might be buried with horses, but a woman and a cow is new to us." Co-director of the excavation, Dr Duncan Sayer, from the University of Central Lancashire, said: "This is the first animal to be discovered with a woman from this period - the late 5th Century - and it's really interesting that it's a cow, a symbol of economic and domestic wealth and power.” The grave was also full of goods, like hundreds of amber and decorated glass beads. "She also had a complete chatelaine [keychain] set, which is an iron girdle and a symbol of her high status," Dr Sayer said.

I never knew a cow could be so valuable! Of course, I can imagine why a cow would so valuable at the time. What I don’t get is if such things as cows, jewels etc. are so valuable, why then bury it? I’m sure those people who buried her could use these kinds of riches. OK, she was rich and important… have a nice funeral and some flowers, but to throw those riches away…like she can take it with her. Perhaps that could be the reason; a cow to travel over the plains of death and jewels to buy food in order to keep her cow alive.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-18580332

Blog Entry 11

Big Ben's tower renamed Elizabeth Tower in honour of Queen

The well-known Clock Tower, the carrier of the 'Big Ben', is now officially re-named after Queen Elisabeth. Its re-naming is in recognition of the Queen's 60 year reign. The idea was originally proposed by Conservative MP Tobias Elwood, circled around for while, and got backed by 40 MPs. The House of Commons said that it is "in recognition of Her Majesty's 60 years of unbroken public service on behalf of her country". The Prime Minister described the move as a ‘fitting tribute’ to the Queen.
It is not the first time in history a part of the Westminster Palace is named after a monarch. After it was rebuild in 1860, the, at the time called ‘Kings Tower’, was named after Queen Victoria. Queen Elisabeth is the only other monarch to complete 60 years on the throne.

So, that permanent isn’t the name ‘Big Ben’ after all. When I read the article, I thought that the opposition parties were quite fond of the idea of re-naming the tower. I mean, the Big Ben is more of a statement of the British architecture and heritage, therefore, well-known all around the world. Is it that easy to change the name so easily? However, I think this is a great gesture towards the Queen. I mean, it doesn’t happen every day that a monarch rules for 60 years. That is a hell of a period! I have to get used to the name ‘Elisabeth Tower’ though.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-18592966
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Blog Entry 10

Tesco to target customers according to their wealth by using their Clubcard data to personalise its website

Britain’s biggest grocer, Tesco has announced it will use personal data from its costumers to boost its sales. Tesco will use the club cards of their costumers, which they have been using for years, to provide itself with financial data of the costumers. When you are a prosperous person, you might get tempted by a smoked salmon and the top wines. If you are more like a hard-up shopper, you might get adds with tins of baked beans and Tesco’s Value promotions. Tesco boss Phil Clarke said that it is just the same as in the 80’s. ‘Some customers you would know by name,’ he said. ‘Others you’d know well enough to give a friendly smile and ask ‘how are you today? ‘By doing that, you could earn the most important thing of all: customers’ loyalty.’  Tesco already tested it, which resulted in a 10 per cent sales growth.

Big brother alert! Seriously, who wants their supermarket to know how much money you can spend? And moreover, I like to mix my groceries a little. I mean, for a good red wine, I don’t mind spending a bit more money. But for a plain pasta, cheese or milk for example, I wouldn’t pay more for no reason, because I can’t taste the difference. Well, this is of course not the main reason why I don’t like the idea. The main reason is that most people don’t want to be stuck to one supermarket. I want the freedom to go anywhere I want. What if you don’t show up for weeks? Do you get special offers? Moreover, how easy is it these days, that even in the supermarket, they are able to ‘know you’, even if you’ve never seen the manager! So, byebye, 80’s argument!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2164660/Tesco-target-customers-according-wealth-using-Clubcard-data-personalise-website.html
 

Blog Entry 9

Lower benefits if you live up North: Ministers consider plan to pay less if your home is in a cheaper part of the country

 

People who live in the North could be paid lower benefits than people who live in the South. Places where the costs of living is much cheaper, such as Middleborough and Merseyside will get lower welfare payments than in much more pricier areas such as Oxford or Bath.  These plans are being considered by the Conservatives, although the plans were dropped at last minute from David Cameron's speech on welfare reform. This because the plan could bring damage to the political ground in the North, which means they will lose votes. The conservatives are still struggling to recover political ground in the North, since the great loss in 1980s.

I’m not sure if this is a good idea. Who keeps track of the inflation and makes sure the costs of living is equal to the welfare benefits? I think this proposal could upset people in the North. I mean, is it their fault that living up North is cheaper than in the south? Isn’t it due to all touristic activities in the South what makes living there so expensive? Perhaps the government could re-consider their plans. I think this will have a great impact on their political background, and therefore, the next elections. People who live in the North may feel subordinated.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2164548/Lower-benefits-live-North-Ministers-consider-plan-pay-home-cheaper-country.html

 

Blog Entry 8

How 900 stillbirths could be prevented

In the 10 per cent most deprived areas of the UK, twice as many babies (est. 900) as in the wealthiest are stillborn. This is stated in a research in the online journal BMJ Open. The only area that doesn’t show any differences is when labour has started and the mother is under the care of midwife or consultant. There are many factors that could lead to a stillbirth. The research showed that smoking and obesity are most common in deprived areas, but also a lack of attendance to regular antenatal check-ups. These can detect diseases, high blood-pressure etc. This makes the UK having the highest rate of stillbirths among 13 countries, including the US and European Nations. Dr Lucy Smith, one of the authors, said that they still need more data of stillbirths. “More than half the stillbirths have unexplained causes. These are women who apparently have a normal pregnancy. Deaths during labour have come down over the years, she said. "We know what should be happening during and after labour, but those during the pregnancy are really difficult to understand."

Wow! I did not know this was such a serious problem in the UK. I mean, read the exact rates, stated in the full article…quite shocking! Well, the UK may not have the best health care system in the world, but when it concerns births, it cannot be this ignorant. Maybe the UK’s government must pay more attention to the minorities in the UK. I don’t know, but how do these mothers feel. It must be terrible! Perhaps government should set up a campaign about the importance to go to regular antenatal check-ups. Perhaps this helps to get the attention of woman and makes them more aware of the hazards of for example smoking etc. during pregnancy.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/jun/25/stillbirths-900-preventable-england

Blog Entry 7

Black England players abused on Twitter

After the lost quarter finals against Italy in the Euro 2012 game, two of England’s black players were engulfed with criticism and racist tweets. The two players, Chelsea defender Ashley Cole and Manchester United winger Ashley Young were ‘abused’ by one user, after they missed two penalty kicks. The police have set up an investigation against the online racism. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "We are aware of alleged racist comments on Twitter and have launched an investigation. The MPS is examining possible offences under Section 18/19 of the Public Order Act 1986." The twitter user already tweeted that it was just a joke, and the police needn’t bother him.

Joke or not, racism is just not done! Now, this is one reason why I hate Twitter, because people can (even under false name data) post all kinds of crap. I wonder what this user would have said if the penalty kickers would have been white people. This is just bollocks! One should not offend another online. If you have to say something, say it directly in ones face! Like the user knows what it feels like to have such a huge responsibility. You know; the best helmsmen stand on shore. Don’t play down on what you’ve said after the police is coming for you. Accept the consequences for what you say. (Online) racism is just not done!

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/black-england-players-abused-on-twitter-7881217.html

Blog Entry 6

The old get richer, and the young get poorer

This is stated in a research, done by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), released this week. They have found that more than 40 per cent of all the pensioners are in the top half of the income distribution bracket, compared with 25 per cent 20 years ago. A separate study (also released this week) shows that the young (under 30) have lost out compared with the older generation, since the financial crisis of 2008. With the upcoming cuts and tax rises, a pensioners’ income will reduce with only 1.8 per cent per year, compared with 4.7 per cent for households with children. Also, pensioners are eligible for a series of non-means-tested benefits, such as free transport etc. This research has led the government to question the case. Mr. Cameron explicitly ruled out any change of policy, for he was elected on a mandate for improving pensions. Also, Michelle Mitchell, charity director of Age UK, said: "We must remember that the number of pensioners in poverty remains at 1.8 million."

I see that Britain is struggling with this subject as well. I know that this is a major subject in Holland. What I find strange, is that they keep cutting in the budget for young people. I know students don’t get a fair deal compared with the older people in England. So, reading this article, I found it quite strange to read that more than 40 per cent of all the pensioners are in the top half of the income distribution bracket (inkomensverdeling stelsel). That is quite a lot compared with the younger people, as stated in the full article. I believe that older people must get a good deal, so they can live without problems in the last stage of their life, for they have done a lot for society. But it is unfair to subordinate the younger people, for they are the bearers of today’s society. The money for the older generation comes mainly from the younger people. It’s ok to treat the older generation, but make sure it is balanced out. Don’t rule out the outcomes because of one’s election.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/the-old-get-richer-and-the-young-get-poorer-7881201.html

Blog Entry 5

Shock at the BBC as reporters are told to start making money

The future of the BBC as a prominent broadcasting network is under heavy discussion since a controversial e-mail has leaked. The e-mail states that (new) journalists have to think of money-making schemes in order to raise more money for the BBC. This will be taken in account at forthcoming job appraisals. Concerns rise that the BBC’s prized editorial standards will be compromised by commercial influences. The BBC is currently under investigation by Ofcom into how it allowed current documentaries and other programs to be commercially influenced. The BBC suffered a loss of 2000 jobs last five years, due to cuts. In a statement, the BBC denies that this will influence the quality of their broadcasting. It said: The BBC's international news services such as BBC World News and BBC.com already have a long tradition of generating commercial income to reinvest in independent public service journalism, and these objectives simply aimed to reflect that."

First of all, I must admit I love to watch all kind of programs on TV of the BBC. The quality of those programs and documentaries is just fantastic! So, when I read this article, I started to become quite worried. We all know what commercial influences can do with the quality of a product, because the more commercial influence, the more power BBC has handed to the commerce. We all know that the BBC gets its money directly from the government. This, so they can focus on quality. Now they have to raise money by themselves, I wonder if they still can get their priorities right. I seriously don’t want my favorite programs to be full of advertising, pauses with advertising and annoying programs. But let’s be optimistic, and hope that the BBC will elucidate this. I can understand that they need more money, but by depositing that quest at the journalists is just wrong. They need their time and focuses to think of mind-blowing programs, as they always have done! 

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/tv-radio/shock-at-the-bbc-as-reporters-are-told-to-start-making-money-7879748.html

Blog Entry 4

Campaign to keep Scotland in the UK launches

The Scottish people have to make up their mind whether they want Scotland in or out the UK. The referendum will be held in autumn 2014. The Labour party is against the independence of Scotland, for they say that ‘they are better together’ Former chancellor Alistair Darling says: “If we decide to leave the United Kingdom, there is no way back. We can't give our children a one-way ticket to a deeply uncertain future." According to a poll of those certain to vote, 55% oppose independence and 35% are in favour. The parties leading the campaign are afraid that the people who get to vote might not be aware of the consequences of their vote. Because the Liberal Democrats, the Labour and some other (former) MP’s are so passionate about the UK, they organized a campaign called ‘Better Together’.

I think, as stated in the full article, that Scotland is fully able to stand on its own two feet. But the cooperation in the UK works so well, that it is one of the most powerful countries in the world. I don’t know the ins and outs how it works in the UK, but if Scotland decides to be independent, I’m sure there will change the one and the other. I’m not sure if that is a good thing. On the other hand, I can imagine that the Scots want to be independent. I think this benefits the national pride and patriotism. I understand though why they set up the campaign, because, as stated in the full article, most people vote based on their feelings, and you don’t know if that is a good thing. They don’t know the consequences of their vote if they vote in favor. Also, the more one encourages you to vote ‘no’, the more you tend to vote in favor. I think it’s a good thing if Scotland stays in the UK, because this alliance has brought them much wealth.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/campaign-to-keep-scotland-in-the-uk-launches-7880549.html

 

Blog Entry 3

No Minister: tiptoeing through the cybercrime minefield

Cybercrime; already costing the government £27bn right now, but getting worse, according the experts. Most worryingly is that most companies and some government departments claim that they are well-protected. However, the government is very aware of the danger. They say that the danger is right up there with a military crisis. The problem is the right amount of recourses to combat the threat. According to William Beer, the UK needs a broader range of skills to combat the threat. Most people working in cyber security in the UK, seem to be ‘narrow technicians’. He would like to see people like "behavioural psychologists, communication experts and actuaries etc. But, according to Dick Vinegar, ‘UK education and culture, and the civil service ethos, is not designed to throw up broad people like this. This makes the task of the UK to set up a decent national cybersecurity strategy almost impossible.

Wow! I did not know this was such a huge problem, not only in the UK, but also international. It actually surprises me that the people working in this industry, tend to be just ‘narrow technicians’. I’ve always thought that my data was sort of secure and safe on the internet, but it appears not to be. According this article, I think the UK has a big pile of work to do on this. Granting safe internet is, I believe, a task of the government. So, instead of whining around just on the music industry, they should make sure our data is safe. I believe they have a hell of a job ahead.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/government-computing-network/2012/jun/21/cyber-security-skills-east-west-dick-vinegar

Blog Entry 2

Police must share good practice about using Blackberrys and other mobile devices

A report from the public accounts committee on the £71m costing programme to equip 41000 police officers with Blackberry’s, says that some have used it to improve efficiency, but most have not. Margaret Hodge, the chair of the public accounts committee, said that the goal the programme should give officers the opportunity to spend more time on the streets, but, for some officers it led to spend more time in the station. In order to make the most out of the investment already made, the Home Office must provide a clear guidance on what police forces must buy centrally, with the benefits of it. For now, forces have found that entering a crime report, for example, requires a full-sized keyboard and a larger screen.

I find this an interesting development to follow, for I don’t believe in using hand-devices as a word processor. As you can read in the full article, most police officers still use a small sort of laptop to enter a report, or what so ever. Entering a text in a blackberry cost too much time. And what about falling damage…I don’t think that using a blackberry will provide more police force on the streets. It’s prone to theft, and is used by people all over the world. This means it is meant for private use. Therefore, all kinds of data from the police force could become prone to theft as well. It’s too fragile, in my opinion.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/government-computing-network/2012/may/30/police-blackberrys-mobile-devices

Blog Entry 1

Let gouge beast suffer the same fate

The 33 year old Shane Jenkin is awaiting sentencing for a 12 hour imprisoning of his former wife, Tina Nash. Jenkin held Tina, 32, prisoner in her home at Hayle, Cornwall, and beat her relentlessly with her two young sons in the house. Jenkin specifically gauged her eyes so horrifically that the surgeons were forced to remove Tina’s left eye, and therefore, were unable to stop her going blind. Last week, Tina bravely attended the court, where Jenkin admitted the attack. She said of her living nightmare: “I feel like I’m buried alive.” Tina’s mum Mandy Curran said: “I hope he gets an eye for an eye!”

When I first read this article, I was horrified! I almost could not believe what I just read! The fact that a man can beat up his former love is just giving me the shivers! I can totally understand what Tina says about not being able to see anymore. The way she describes it, is just so realistic and heavy! I read the article four times, before I began to understand how horrifically Jenkin beat Tina up, on purpose! I can understand Tina’s mum for wishing him the same he has done to Tina! The fact is though, that it is hard to sentence someone like Jenkin.

Link to original item:
- http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4267865/Blinded-girls-mum-Let-gouge-beast-suffer-same-fate.html