Air pollution ‘harmful for those with failing hearts’

This article covers the rising air pollution in Britain, affecting people with heart diseases up to a point where it could be lethal. Experts estimate the death toll includes thousands of Britons each year. The British Heart Foundation, which funded The lancet work, says that most cities in the UK often exceed the safety levels set by the European Union. The government admitted to this by saying that in over 15 regions air quality will breach the EU limits until 2020. Dr Anoop Shah of The Lancet says moderate reductions in air pollution could avoid up to 8000 hospital admissions for heart failure each year.

I believe articles like this tell us an important message; We need to stop polluting the earth and switch to alternative cleaner, and more sustainable, fuel for our world. Not only because this will solve our future power problems, but also because this will ensure our survival as a whole. Britain has always been known for having polluted cities, it is where the word ‘smog’ originates from. I feel sorry for the people suffering from heart diseases and polluted air, sometimes has to be done about this level of air pollution.

Bibliography

Roberts, Michelle. Air pollution 'harmful for those with failing hearts'. July 9, 2013. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-23231194 (accessed July 10, 2013).

Feltham Young Offender institution ‘unacceptably violent’

This article covers the unnecessary high amounts of violence being used in the Feltham Prison and the Young Offender Institution. The institution, in west London, witnessed an average of almost two fights or assaults every day.  Chief inspector of prisons Nick Hardwick said: “Feltham as a whole is an unacceptably violent place.” In defence of the staff he added “Staff were sometimes overwhelmed by challenges they faced. As a consequence, some of their responses, such as the prolonged use of isolation and batons, were unacceptable.” National Offender Management Service chief Michael Spurr said he would make the institution safer by moving those on remand.

I think it is a shame such violence has to be used. The children in the Young Offender Institution range from 16 to 21 and are often kept in isolation for prolonged periods of time. I deem the excessive use of batons a complicated problem. On one hand you cannot just take away the guards batons, you would completely take away their means of self defence, thereby removing their safety. On the other hand it should not be necessary to have at least two fights or assaults every day. I think the removal of some inmates will calm things down.

Bibliography

BBC. BBC. July 10, 2013. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-23248433 (accessed July 10, 2013).

Jillings report: 'Extensive' abuse at children's homes

This article is about a recently published report on abuse at children’s homes in north Wales during the 1970s through to the 1990s. The 300 page report was initially written in 1996 and covered the areas now represented by Flintshire, Denbighshire and Wrexham councils. It had followed an investigation into abuse claims in 1991. This lead to the initial arrest of seven former care workers. However soon more claims of abuse were issued and an additional 40 homes emerged. The article was never published up to now. Mr Jillings, former director of social services, said the council was worried about the costly insurance claims.

I think it’s sickening that reports like this are being kept from publishing  solely for financial motives. It once again makes me believe the government generally doesn’t value people over money. I am however glad that in the end Mr. Jillings decided to publish the report anyway.  The bitter truth is always better than the sweetest lie. It is a shame however that nothing can be done about the children that have gone through the pain and suffering. I hope future reports will be used to raise awareness or start campaigns against child abuse.

Bibliography

BBC. (2013, July 8). BBC. Retrieved July 8, 2013, from BBC News UK: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-23199905

 

 

BBC’s newsstation biggest in Europe

This article is on how the technology of television has changed and how BBC benefits from this. It shows the history of news, which changed in the early 80s. Martin Bell, former BBC correspondent says that everything changed with the introduction of the handheld camera. With this camera you could edit your film on the go, giving a wonderful sense of freedom. A second revolution was the introduction of satellites and internet. Last year’s live interview from abroad was broadcasted using just an iPhone. Now BBC has moved into a new building that has the biggest news droplet in Europe. It is the base for 2500 BBC journalists.

I find it wonderful how news over the years has developed. Looking back at the brave people who filmed the events in World War 2 and in the Cold War one can only realise that these men were heroes, carrying enormous cameras around just for the sake of reporting. Last year’s live interview broadcasted with just an iPhone makes you think how news will look like in the future. Maybe you can zoom in on the disaster area using google maps, having a live stream of the events on your own computer.  One can only hope.

 

BBC. (2013, 03 18). BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5. Retrieved 03 20, 2013, from Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i10-d3X_rXM

 Alex Ferguson to retire

This article is on the end of an era for Manchester United, an era they call the Alex Ferguson era.
Manchester United recently announced that Ferguson, aged 71, is to retire. Sir Alex Ferguson has been in charge of Manchester United for 27 seasons, in which he acquired 13 premier league titles and two European cups. Ferguson retired before in 2002 but then came back saying it “Wasn’t the right time then.” Now, eleven years later he does think it is the right time to retire. Rumours had been swirling around for quite some time but still the retirement comes as a surprise to most people.

Personally I find it astonishing that a man aged 71 is still able to coach a football club. Within the club he was apparently known as an Old boot, but a sturdy one. His training and effort have undoubtedly been of great importance and value to Manchester United. I hope that in the future Manchester United is able to find a coach that is just a great, or even better, than Alex Ferguson. However I do think that is a feat extremely difficult to acquire. In the future we’ll see if the next coach can one up Ferguson.

BBC. (2013, 05 08). KeithCutey. Retrieved 05 12, 2013, from Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rGQH3BznHQ

 Attempted murder on Irish Policeman

This article is on the investigation of the attempted murder on a policeman in Northern Ireland. The police have arrested two men. The police man discovered a bomb tied under his car when he was just about to leave his home on a Sunday, in the city of Belfast. The men who were arrested, aged 29 and 35 are now being held into custody and are being questioned. The possible motive for the attempted murder remains, so far, unknown. The police hopes that through the arrest of the men there can be some clarification and justice done.

I think the police man was very lucky to have found the bomb tied under his car. I personally would never even bother looking under my car so I wonder how he got around to checking. Perhaps it was a gut feeling? Either way I am glad the attempted murder was a failure and that two men are being held under interrogation by the police. I hope the two men admit to the attempt so that the policeman can continue his life without worrying about future murder attempts. I am looking forward to finding out what was the motive for the murder.

BBC. (2013, 01 01). nuggetsofwisdom99. Retrieved 04 28, 2013, from YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQqeYoY32xA 

More legal challenges for bullet train linking London to the North of England

This article is on the everlasting effort to get clearance for the high speed railway line connecting London to the North of England. This time the project faces opposition from Yorkshire activists. This opposition was of little value however, seeing how recently the government has won in court, granting them green light to proceed their operations. The first phase of the railway line is linking London to Birmingham. The second phase would expand the lines from Leeds to Manchester. The green light is a victory of grave importance to the government. It had the potential to shut down the project for good if the government was to lose.

I can understand the opposition against a high speed bullet train through the center of England from multiple parties such as the Yorkshire party. However, I do think it is necessary to continue with a project that so many people could benefit from. A high speed connection rail through the center of England might not be the best looking thing ever, but it will make for a vast improvement in Public Transport for all Brits. On the other hand I do deem activist parties a necessity, it’s always great to hear the voice of your people.

 

Bibliography

 

BBC. (2013, 03 15).Sam Smith. Retrieved 05 05, 2013, from YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsgW_UDoZmA