Phones, the new radios?

Why do teenagers play music on their phones, especially in public transport and not understand that it is annoying and irritating to others? Why do they feel that need to share, or rather to force others to listen to their music? It is called sodcasting and playing loud music is a way by which young people try to own the space. Teenagers are not anti-social, but just marking their territory. They create an environment suitable for them. Back in the eighties teenagers carried these massive boom boxes and before that young people listened to their tape recorders. Music is of all times and ages and young people do not do anything wrong, but listening to their own and each others music.

Personal comment:

Public transport is just what the name says, a means of transportation for everyone. But teenagers only think about their peers, others are not important, not even existing. They are not intentionally rude, not really. They are just not aware that others can hear their music and they do not understand that others might be bothered by it. I say let them. It is just a phase and will pass. Personally I get irritated when I have to listen to phone calls and hear about other people’s problems at home. That is annoying! Try to listen to the beat and use it as a rhythm to doze off and block out all other sounds. If you manage, you will feel quit refreshed reaching your destination

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-13749313

Cup cake cyber bombs

British intelligence officers used cup cake recipes to sabotage the launch of a website that was affiliated to al-Qaida. They attacked an online jihadist magazine with a pdf file containing cup cake recipes. The sabotage caused a row between agencies in the US about who would attack the website. As one agency thinks it was a legitimate way to protect troops overseas, another agency claims that such an attack exposes sources and intelligence methods. British agencies grapple with how to cope with the threat, as extreme jihadist websites become more influential. But the battle against cyber-attacks is conducted separately by different agencies and departments and diplomacy and policy are only just beginning to catch up with technology.

Personal comment:

Although Bush always tried to disparaged al-Qaida as a terrorist organisation that lack intelligence and technology, it is clear that al-Qaida uses internet, computers, cell phones and all other modern and current technology. They are not stupid or ignorant. Obviously I do not agree with their methods and I do not like the world to be converted into an Islamic one, but I would have loved to see the faces of al-Qaida members when they opened that particular file. I do not understand how these things work, as I am rather a computer illiterate, but I always have known that cup cakes are sugar bombs.  

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/jun/02/british-intelligence-ruins-al-qaida-website

The million pounds camera

A quiet residential street is turned into the most puzzling street in Britain, because the overwhelming amount of traffic signs cause confusion among motorists. Ten of thousands of drivers received fines, filling up the treasury with over 5 million pounds in just five years. The CCTC-camera is the most profitable one in the country. It is already called highway robbery. And the most astounding part is that it is just a residential street. It almost feels as if the cameras are only there to raise revenue for the Town Hall, something that is of course denied by a council spokesman.

Personal comment:

The picture in this article explains everything. How is someone to understand all those signs at an instant? Even when you drive really slowly you cannot process what you need to do; you need to stand still to notice every single sign and absorb the information. It is not fair to position a camera in this jungle of traffic signs. Besides it is only a residential road, not a dangerous motorway or something. The public servant, responsible for traffic, surely has no driver’s licence, because no motorist would have come up with something like this.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1392006/Revealed-The-5m-raised-camera-Britain-s-baffling-road.html

Split in Social Care

A survey by BBC/CIPFA suggests a North-South divide in Adult Social Services. Above the line between the Bristol Channel and the Wash (north-west East Anglia) the budgets have been reduced by a little under 5%, where as the budgets below that line are increased by almost 3%. Once again the richer South gets the most money. The North always needed central grants from the wealthier south which has a larger income due to council tax. Nothing new, but now it is rather shocking to notice that the budgets on adult social services are increasing for the richer southerners and declining for the poorer northerners. This may have long-term consequences socially. Many people in the most deprived parts of England are afraid they will lose their care package and many fear they are doomed to a life of existence rather then a life.

Personal comment:

I understand the government’s need to carefully spend their money, but somehow it seems unfair that those who already have less, should economize the most. As in the Netherlands the costs on health care keep rising and the budgets become tighter. But, I reckon that in the south of England there are more and probably better facilities for vulnerable adults. They can operate more cost-sufficient. I think, however, that it is not fair to provide lesser care for similar vulnerable adults up in the north. They are entitled to the same care and it is not just to punish them, because they live in the wrong area.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13376148

The other ‘lost’ generation

Joblessness on the younger generation is something that attracts a lot of attention, but unemployment for people over 50 is neglected. Older people who have worked for years on end are now stuck on the dole much longer then young unemployed people, according to a new study by the IPPR. The latest figures showed a steep increase and the highest number since 1997. Pressure groups mention that older people are being discriminated against and kept out the job market. They are forced to retire early, without adequate pension provision, which make them dependent on the state and without useful contribution to the economy. Long-term unemployment makes it increasingly difficult to find a job and has a negative impact on health and wellbeing.

Personal comment:

I always thought that jobs for younger people were more important then for older people, who are already settled and lived their lives. But now I am in my mid-forties and I am by no means ready to stay at home. If I were to lose my job, I certainly would not be happy. I believe that all those years of working, getting experienced, wise and skilled should be put into good use, which is in a job. I know that older workers have a huge additional value and every company ought to be glad to have experienced, well-balanced, skilled and reliable workers. Not hiring people because they are old is a great loss.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/lost-generationof-older-workers-is-stuck-on-the-dole-2290409.html

Smell those sizzling sausages

Islington Council prohibited barbecuing in parks, but has now revoked its ban. The councillors once again trust their residents to use charcoal fires responsibly and clean up when they are done. People who opposed this ban are glad that cooking outdoors in parks is possible again. All the ‘no barbecue’ signs have been removed. Now that summer is coming, the scrapping of the ban is good news, because many residents do not have a garden and they can now enjoy a tasty grilled steak in the park.

Personal comment:

I can imagine that many people in Islington are glad the ban is revoked. If you do not have a garden yourself, you would never been able to enjoy a typical summer activity such as barbecuing. I can understand that many are glad the ban is over. On the other hand, it might cause some inconveniences. Imaging a hot summer’s day, an overcrowded park, children playing, dogs with wagging tails and slobber dripping out of its mouth and barbecues and open fire everywhere. Accidents are bound to happen. Reading this news article, I am glad I have a garden and that I can enjoy a sizzling sausage in peace and quiet.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-13588467

Ebony and Ivory

A black family with one baby boy already decided some day to have another baby. Everything went well, but after giving birth to a second son, something extraordinary happened which made everyone in the theatre room fell silent. The healthy newborn is white. The couple has no doubts what so ever about infidelity, and they recognize his features as their own. Raising this white child might challenge the parents as people may wonder why they have a white baby and the little boy might ask questions himself growing older. They parents worry, because children can be cruel or other people might think that this white child is a friend of their black son, or even adopted. And what box should he tick when he is asked to fill in ethnicity? In the family history it is rumoured that one of the great-great-great-grandmothers has given birth to a white child too, but there is no prove.

Personal comment:

I think this is a remarkable story and if I were the husband, I would really have my doubts; for some time at least. Their love for each other must be very strong to immediately believe that this is nature and not infidelity. And what a challenge they are facing; being a black couple with one black and one white boy. I think they will have to explain a lot and probably have to defend their child, because people might not believe that he is really their son. And I can only image how this might affect the relationship between the two brothers. In today’s society it is often an advantage to be white and I wonder if at one point in their life the two brothers will have to deal with discrimination and prejudice and how this might affect them, being born of the same parents. 

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2011/05/15/shock-of-the-black-couple-who-had-a-white-baby-115875-23130646

Brushing your teeth in the dark might save your life

A little girl’s life has been saved because she brushed her teeth in the dark. She got a lovely toothbrush with a little light that shows how long she should brush her teeth. The very day she got it, her mum let her brush her teeth in the dark. Only then the mother noticed a strange spot in the little girl’s eye, what turned out to be a potential deadly tumour that can treble in just a week or so. Now, she only has to lose one eye, and not her life.

Personal comment:

Who would ever have thought that something that seems as redundant as a light on a toothbrush could turn out to be a lifesaver? Usually I do not like those gadgets, but reading this story made me think otherwise, or at least made me doubt a little.  I wonder, however, if I would have let my child brush her teeth in the dark.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3581644/Tumour-girl-saved-by-her-toothbrush.html 

No need for a doctor, I cure myself.

Some illnesses are not mentioned, but are causing a lot of discomfort for those who are inflicted by them. No need to go see a doctor, when you are embarrassed about your ailment; just go to the internet and find out what drugs you can order to cure yourself. But, is it wise to be your own pharmacist? For those who do see a pharmacist, their behaviour gives them away, as the outcome of a Pharmacy survey shows. Several types of ‘ashamed buyers’ can be recognized, so the behaviour of those shoppers gives them away as sufferers from a humiliation illness.

Personal comment:

I wonder if an article like this one turns more and more people to the internet. Being your own GP and buying your own drugs without consulting a professional pharmacist can be very dangerous and even life threatening. I am afraid that those who feel ashamed might get in serious trouble, because they are not using the right prescriptions. I feel for those who feel embarrassed, but medicating yourself might turn out to be Russian roulette and sometimes the damages done, can not be undone. So, put aside your shame; go see your GP, buy your drugs at your local pharmacist’s; lots of others have preceded you.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/health-news/2011/05/09/ashamed-brits-are-too-shy-to-seek-treatment-for-embarrassing-ailments-115875-23117251

Care for a glass of royal wine, my dear?

Local wines are favoured by British consumers more and more. The interest in them has skyrocket since Prince William and his newlywed wife princess Katherine chose a British wine for their wedding breakfast. And even the Queen prompted interest in British wines as she plans to plant vineyards at the grounds of Windsor Castle. But British wines are not at all a novelty. The Domesday Book already mentions over forty locations of vineyards. Although Britain is not at all a large producer of wines, ever since the 1950s and 1960s British wines became more popular. The Sussex Downs are considered the best place to produce wines, but there are also some locations in the northern climes, although it is considered difficult to grow grapes there.

Personal comment:

I knew that it was possible to grow grapes and other more tropical fruits in Britain and I remember how unusual I found that information as I considered Britain to be a cold, rainy, and dreary country. That is to say, before I ever visited the UK. I was quit astounded when I first heard about grapes in England. Wines need sun and happy weather. Or at least I thought so, and I could imagine growing grapes as fruits to eat, but grapes as to produce wines? That I did not know, but I am not in the least surprised that the royals take part in the production of British wines. No better advertisement then a glass of wine, produced at your local castle grounds.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-13338907

A bowl of NHS stew

Are the planned reforms in the National Health Service a blessing or are they domed to fail? Or to state is more bluntly, is the government stupid or stout? The reforms should lead to saving billions of pounds; at least that is the plan. Health professionals and several political figures, however, have opposed to the proposals made by the government. Policy in health service is directed to market-based reorganizations for over two decades, but the current proposals even stun medical leaders as it would abolish Primary Care Trusts and redirect funds to GPs, although many doctors lack the expertise to control budgets. How is that to save money?

Personal comment:

In every western country health care costs are skyrocketing, because of the ageing populations and increasingly expensive treatments. In almost all western countries the answers are sought in market-oriented solutions. Governments are promising that the public will pay reasonable premiums, but the money raised through these premiums are not, by far, enough to cover the costs. I believe other discussions are to be held, but that might be very difficult. I believe that we should think again about what we expect of our medical service. Should every illness be cured? Should every medical problem be solved? Or are we going to accept that people sometimes die because of an injury or that a medical problem cannot be solved?  

http://www.economist.com/node/18529977 

Healing Art

Negative feelings and destructive behaviour expressed through art as part of art psychotherapy can help offenders to understand themselves better, according to Imke Wood. Psychotherapy is a known method to understand dangerous minds and art therapy is a successful method to air repressed or destructive emotions. Psychiatrists, academics, and police officers are discussing this new combined method during the 20^th annual conference of the International Association for Forensic Psychotherapy. The aim is to discuss how this controversial therapy can help murderers and how to help them, not as much as how to punish them, but to help them, and others, to heal and to prevent other violent crimes.

Personal comment:

I am convinced that many crimes are the result of a troubled and difficult life, because the offender is scared early in life. To prevent serious crimes you need to get to the source. Help families who are experiencing difficulties raising their children. Make sure that child service is effective. Give children a good education, possibilities, and chances. I believe that is more effective that an art psychotherapy later in life. Art therapy can soothe a violent mind and make life in prison a bit more liveable, but I doubt if it is effective in the long run.

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/art-therapy-for-offenders-helps-them-to-heal-2274077.html

Is it about quality or safety?

Blog 2  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-13115226

“Best-before” and “use-by” labels are familiar terms for British shoppers, but do they understand the difference or is more food thrown out because of mixing up these labels? According to the Food Standard Agency the “best-before” label tells about quality, where as “use-by” labels are applied to food that perish quickly. Consuming products after “use-by” dates may put health at risk. The FSA states that even after “best-before” dates food is still safe, providing that it is stored correctly, but might lose flavour. Now the government is thinking about simplifying food labelling. Will this end unnecessary binning of food?

Personal comment:                                                                                                                                   For starters, today’s food is packed with labels, so simplifying is no luxury. And a better distinction between ‘still safe, but maybe less tasty’ and ‘do not eat after’ is a good thing. I am not very strict about such dates and labels. If a product can be kept for three months, then a few weeks past the date can not hurt you. I can see how confusing these labels can lead to a waste of good food. Labels are mostly an indication when to use it, but using your nose, mouth, and common sense also helps to determine if products are off or stale. I think one should not rely on labels only.

having a child with hereditary disease, yes or no?

Blog 1 - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-12987504

Is it fair to bring a child into this world with a hereditary disability?

Jono is afflicted with Treacher Collins Syndrome, causing a deformed face, as his facial bones are not developed as they should, and a hearing problem. As a baby he was given up for adoption because his parents could not cope. He is operated many times and as a child he was bullied a lot.

The couple has a 50 per cent chance of having a baby with this hereditary disease.

The abnormal gene causing this disability is known and the couple is considering IVF with pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, which means that the embryos are tested before implanting an unaffected one in the womb. This procedure is very controversial and Jono and his girlfriend are facing a huge dilemma, because if his parents had chosen to do this, he would not be alive.

Personal comment:

Risking to be seen as a monster, I believe that Jono should use the special IVF procedure. Bringing a child into this world, knowing it will face painful operations is very egocentric. Jono has first hand experiences; he should know better. The techniques are there, so use them. Especially because you can not predict how severe the disability will be. Disabilities are not a bad thing, but if there is a way to prevent them, I believe we should use those possibilities. I think it is cruel to willingly risk having a baby who you know will suffer a lot before he or she has a chance to live a life without pain and suffering.