vrijdag 3 juni 2011

Provocative music videos censured in the future

Recently there have been many complaints about the content of music videos, and the government is planning to take action. These complaints mostly come from worried parents who do not want their children watching inappropriate music videos. The government agrees with parents by launching a report. This report helps parents to add complaints and to check the content of music videos. Parents are also helping setting standards on music videos, which help determine what is appropriate to view on the media. Franchises are also being controlled to stem pupils from buying them and using them in schools. A well-known example of a provocative music video is the latest video of singer Rihanna. She has already received many complaints from parents. However this is not the first report sent to the government, there have been three previous report sent, with no results.

Words: 148
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/jun/02/music-videos-face-crackdown-sexualised-content

Opinion
I agree with the parents. Music videos are displaying inappropriate content daily, and nothing is being done about it. The videos should be censured, or the content should be adapted to the viewers. Children should not watch these videos at an early age, even in their early teens they could be influenced. This influence is clearly seen; especially girls dress skimpy, giving the wrong message.

Famous assistant suicide doctor passed away

Dr. Jack Kevorkian passed away at eighty-three. He was notorious for assisting 130 suicides. People who were ill and wanted to end their lives used to visit him for lethal injections. Dr. Kevorkian provided these injections from his Volkswagen, where he stored the illegal drugs. This continued from 1990 till 1999, when Dr. Kevorkian was arrested and sentenced. He was sentenced for twenty-five years in prison; however he was released after eight years due to several illnesses. He had to pay a price though, his license was taken. Last year a biographical film was made about him starring Al Pacino. The result was an increase of coverage to Dr. Kevorkian. Dr. Kevorkian did not think that many people are drawn to the subject assistant suicide, despite the attention from the media. The legendary actor Al Pacino acclaimed him well, showing that their cooperation for the film was successful.

Words: 153
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/jun/03/dr-death-jack-kevorkian-dies

Opinion

I do not know anything about this doctor or about his crimes before I read this article, however I am slightly saddened about this death. I understand if people want to end their lives because they cannot recover from an illness. They are going to die anyway; why not let them die on their own terms? Especially if they have a very painful illness, they deserve to die painless. I can imagine very well what families must feel when someone they love is suffering from a painful illness. I do not understand why it is even a crime if there is mutual consent. I hope that in the future more people can relate to what I am stating.

maandag 23 mei 2011

Young adult spent over 20,000£ on plastic surgery

Summary
A woman who lives in the West Midlands has spent over thousands of pounds on plastic surgery and on her appearance. She is a single parent; she has a daughter who is two years old. When she was thirteen she became a model after someone picked her out at a store. The modeling job made her realize the importance of her appearance. At eighteen she had her first plastic surgery by enlarging her breasts. Afterwards she ‘’improved’’ her nose, eyebrows, lips, teeth, and brow. In addition to these surgeries she occasionally tans her skin by going to a salon and by taking drugs. She also has hair extensions and buys expensive make-up. The woman is now twenty years old, she is afraid of wrinkles and other facial lines. As a solution she uses Botox regularly. However she does not want her daughter to have plastic surgery. Just ‘’improving’’ her breasts is enough in the future.

Words: 155
Link: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/woman/fashion/beauty/3595135/20-year-old-cosmetic-surgery-addict.html

Opinion
While I was reading this article my jaw dropped. When I finished reading I was lost for words. This is unspeakably absurd and sad. This woman has clearly a twisted view of perfection. There is no such thing as perfection, she is very delirious. I saw a picture of her when she was thirteen, she looked much better. I am worried about her daughter as well; I hope that she does not end up like her mother.

Headmistress cancelled school trip to a Mosque

Summary
A primary school in south-west London scheduled a school trip to a mosque on the 24th of May. This trip was recently cancelled by the head mistress because she thought it was unsafe for the children. The death of Bin Laden received a mixed reception. Most people were relieved and glad that the terrorist is finally dead. However there were some who protested against his death, and declared that more attacks are going to happen. Consequently many people are afraid of visiting places where attacks could happen for example airports, famous buildings and Mosques. The headmistress stated she received positive reactions; however some parents are appalled by the cancellation. The trip was part of a project which goal was to educate children about faith and other cultures. The parents thought that the cancellation was not discerning, and it could give the wrong impression about Muslims.

Words: 152

Link:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1389818/Primary-school-mosque-trip-cancelled-ridiculous-Bin-Laden-revenge-fear-headmistress.html

Opinion
I think that the cancellation was beyond the pale. By preventing children to visit Mosques the headmistress is teaching them that Muslims are dangerous. The children will not learn anything about other cultures, especially the Muslim culture. The Mosque is an essential part of the Muslim culture. The headmistress is also presumptuous by thinking that the Mosque which they were supposed to visit is going to be attacked. The chance that Bin Laden’s supporters are going to attack this Mosque is highly refuting. I think that the headmistress should be taught about faith and other cultures, not the children.

zaterdag 14 mei 2011

Sixty year old woman brutally murdered

Summary
Recently there was a horrific murder of a sixty year old woman in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. She was beheaded and stabbed several times. Her identity was unknown, until not long ago. She was identified as Mrs. Jennifer Mills-Westley, a woman who is retired. She was travelling after her retirement between France and Tenerife. She was on holiday in Tenerife when she was bothered by the behavior of a twenty-eight year old man. After she sought the security guard for help, the man attacked her brutally, causing her death. Now that her identity is known, her funeral can be organized by her family-members and friends.
Words: 111
Link: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/spain/8513865/British-woman-beheaded-in-Tenerife-named.html
opinion
The headlines caught my attention. I was horrified that someone could murder in such a cruel manner. The fact that the victim is a harmless retired sixty year old woman made me shocked. The attacker is very cruel and a coward. She could not have defended herself even if she had tried. The murderer should be punished, sending him to prison for life would be the best solution. He does not deserve the death penalty.

Old laws are not enough against new drugs

Summary
Results have proven that the current laws for UK drugs are not fit for the new drugs. This was informed at the 40th anniversary of the Drug Act recently. Forty years ago these laws were providing sufficient protection which controls new drugs and expels the dangerous kind. However as society grows with the ages, drugs also grow and become modern. This trend causes a surge of ‘’new drugs’’. These drugs have adjusted to the current law, and therefore access can be granted easily. As an initiative these drugs will be analyzed. As a result the current laws will adjust to the new drugs.
Words: 111
Link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/may/14/drug-laws-bans-legal-highs

Opinion
I also think that some laws are outdated, which can generate new problems. People can get access to drugs easier than a couple of years ago. I am also relieved to find that the UK also has problems with the old laws. The best solution is the adjust these ‘’old laws’’ or to make a new law against the illegally usage of drugs.

donderdag 12 mei 2011

Famous designer sued and fired

The famous designer John Galliano was sued by three people. They claim he has used improper and racist language against them. It started when a couple in Paris were attacked by severly improper language. They were assaulted by the designer who yelled angrily at them. After they called the police and sued the designer, another person stepped forward with the same complaint. In the case there is even prove of the attack. The designer was filmed while he was verbally abusing the victim. Eventually the designer was fired, and he is expected at court in June. The reactions are not positive. The famous company Dior fired Galliano from their campaign. An advisor who has worked for him over eight years broke all contact. The designer will probably face over six months in prison.

Words: 140
Link: http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/article/TMG8509639/John-Galliano-to-stand-trial-in-June.html

Opinion
I think that the only reason this item is published because the designer is famous. If he man was not famous this news was not published. According to the article it seems as if the designer is some kind of saint. However he is a man, and being famous does not give his the right to bully everyone else. The designer deserves what came over him. I do not symphatize with him at all. He should be punished like everyone else.

Ninety-one year old is convicted of crimes involving the holocaust

An elderly is recently convicted for five years imprisonment. He is found guilty for murdering thousands of jews in an concentration camp. The results of further research prove that the man was not a high-ranked nazi official, he even had the lowest status in the camp, according to the testimonies of guilty nazi officials. Consequently he had low and unimportant tasks, such as ushering the victims in the gas chambers and disposing of the bodies. Despite his low status, many people agreed with the sentence. These people were especially family members of the victims, and they thought the sentence was pertinent. They felt that every one who contributed to the unspeakable crimes at the concentration camps should be punished. However the convicted man disagrees, claiming he was a victim not a murderer. He states he was a victim because he was forced to work in the concentration camp, and that he was forced to do these tasks.

Words: 157
Link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/12/john-demjanjuk-guilty-nazi-war-crimes

Opinion
My opinion of this matter has not been determined. I am very keen that every person should be punished for the crimes they committed. However the man in question is far too old to be punished. The punishment has no use, he shall die soon anyway. Therefore imprisonment has no sense. Why did they not convict him earlier, when it could be much more effective? I have no idea what should be done, or what a proper punishment should be, since no punishment has use.

zondag 1 mei 2011

Tension and violence grows in Uganda

Summary
In Uganda the president has been ruling over twenty-five years. During his reign the oppostition was growing gradually, and the tension continues to grow. The rise of austerity has not contributed to the decrease of tension. The inhabitants are becoming restless, and the opposition is also becoming stronger. The violence and tension have wrought to their highest when the oppostion leader was arrested. The arrest was likely to penalize the opposing party. The aftermath of the arrest was the rise of protests in the capital of Uganda. Many people were protesting, and when the police arrived the violence started. Many innocent people were among the victims.

Words: 106
Link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/29/uganda-rebellion-crackdown-besigye-museveni

Opinion
I have heard of the violence in Africa, and sometimes the situation seems surreal to me. Perhaps because the violence occurs faw away, and I do not have a connection with it. However I strongly dislike any form of violence, especially when innocent people are involved. Therefore I strongly dissaprove of the situation in Uganda. I think that the president sent the police force to stop the protests. They should not have used violence. The president should have considered the violence as a severe sign to change his way of ruling. I hope that the situation will become better, however I also realize that this prediction is a bit naive.
Words: 110

zaterdag 30 april 2011

Teachers withdraw due to stress

Summary

Recently there is a surge of teachers who have admitted that they have been enduring with stress for a long time. During a conference the presented evidence proved that the amount over stresses teachers is considerable. This problem is detrimental, because the stress can lead to suicide. This problem has many sources, namely extensive work-hours and dealing with new regulations. As a result, more teachers are inclined to resign. Some cannot even function normally anymore, and the government has passed new regulations as a solution. These rules do not only apply to teachers but to other professions. One rule is that emplyees receive support if they are under stress.

Words: 109
Link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2011/apr/25/stress-drives-teachers-out-of-schools

opinion
I think that teaching is an unique profession which is applied with a lot of effort. I cannot imagine what it must be like standing in front of the class for eight or nine hours on a daily basis. Especially dealing with tiresome students seems impossible to me. I was completely ignorant of the amount of time teachers work per week. When I read that it can lead up to fifty hours I was surprised. I thought that being a student was difficult, but being a teacher is not exactly easy either. I also think that all these factors should be taken into consideration, and that I should have been more toughtfull to some teachers.
Words: 115

vrijdag 22 april 2011

How to make rich people more involved with the poor

Summary
According to the Archbishop of Canterbury, people should get more involved in the lives of the less fortunate. This is especially meant for rich people, who could never know what it is like to be poor. In order to initiate this, the Archbishop suggests that there should be a new law which states that rich people have to do community service a couple of hours every year. The Archbishop is getting a lot of attention from the media, because he is performing the marriage service of Prince William and Kate. He seizes this oppertunity, and the upcoming Easter, to spread his message.

Words: 102

Link: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8468219/Archbishop-make-the-rich-and-powerful-help-the-poor.html

Opinion
I agree with the Archbishop. I think that there should be a law or a similar rule to make the rich people more involved. This could be an oppertunity for them to see what the day of a less fortunate person looks like. And I do not believe that only money can help the community to improve. Community service helps to people to make contact despite the social rank, money cannot. This message will hopefully bring more consideration and discussion of what can be done to help the less fortunate. Especially if well-known people could contribute to this idea.

Words: 99

Speaker's Corner Article: The orgin of bad communities according to Cameron

  Summary
David Cameron has recently discussed a sensitive issue on immigrants. This subject is about immigrants who are unwilling to adapt to the culture and language of Britain. According to Cameron, these immigrants are causing trouble and unsafety to communities. There cannot be real integration if the immigrants refuse to speak or learn English, in other words, to adapt. In his speech, he states that this issue will have severe consequences. His initiave is roughly to decrease the welfare, and he wants to decrease the amount of immigrants and visas in the UK. He also wants to quash forced marriages and ''sham'' marriages.

Words: 97
Link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/apr/14/david-cameron-immigrants-learn-english

Opinion
Personally, I could not disagree less. Cameron is blaming a specific group, namely immigrants, for every problem in the community. He is enhancing the idea that immigrants are the cause of crimes. He cannot understand that immigrants have nowhere else to go when they reside to the UK. Most of the immigrants are families in danger of imprisonment of worse, they just want to start a new life, not starting crimes. I also think that Cameron's statement will only make things worse, there will be more discrimination if everyone believes him. Everyone will blame the immigrants of every crime in the community. 

Words:102




woensdag 13 april 2011

Libya's Contact Group

Summary
As the war in Libya progresses, the death toll rises. In order to prevent more growth of the death toll, a 'contact group' is founded. This contact group consists of modern and powerful countries and organisations such as Britain, France and the UN. The contact group is trying to make arrangments with the rebels and with Gaddafi. They are urging Gaddafi to step aside, and to let the rebels take over Libya. The rebels receive great support from the contact group. The contact group is subsidizing the rebels in order to enhance the contact with the inhabitants of Libya.
Words: 99

link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/13/libya-contact-group-funds-opposition

Opinion
I have been catching bits of the situation in Libya, and I often see disturbing images of the suffering there. I get overwhelmed by pity and sorrow for the people, especially when I see children's unjuries and the dirupted lives of families. Therefore I agree with this article, each act of opposition against Gadaffi is good. The rebels will hopefully stop the suffering and decrease of the death toll, and act on behalf of the people. I hope that they have the people's interest in their heart. The contact group is an excellent trigger to increase the peace in Libya.
Words: 102

dinsdag 12 april 2011

BritNed Summary+opinion

Summary
A new grid is launced between the UK and the Netherlands. the purpose of this grid is to enhance the electric distribution between these two countries. This ''supergrid'' is fivehundred metres long, and it stretches out from the Maasvlakte in Rotterdam, to the Isle of Grain in Kent. There are hopes that the cable can provide a new kind of energy. There are also plans to use the energy from Iceland as an altervative source to provide distribution continually. The minister of energy said that the development between the UK and Iceland have ended, and consequently a new cable is going to be built. This cable will hopefully provide new energy from Iceland to the UK.  

Opinion
I have not received a clear message from this article, therefore I have no decided opinion. However I find thar the grid plan is a good concept in order to provide new energy. I live in the Netherlands, and this makes my opinion more favorable towards this concept. I do not know the excact consequence of this action. I only hope that this cable will provide us with new and improved energy to make our daily lives easier.