Something In The Air?
06/02/2009
“Court: Burnley milkman Robert Holding, 72, who supplied cannabis on his daily round, is due to be sentenced at the town's crown court.” ITV Text – Home news in brief
I see the people who shouted the loudest over the Brand/Ross phone call as the more conservative of society, so I won't hold my breath for the same people to be so vocal on the issue of this 70-odd year old being put through far more stress than the other (Mr Sachs). After seeing “Horizon: Cannabis – The Killer Weed?” on BBC2 Monday night, I came to the conclusion that smoking it before the age of 15 is not recommended due to the brain's development, but after that we're “wired” with hundreds of receptors to receive the THC contained within the plant and it would benefit us as a species to fully explore how marijuana can improve all of our lives. The prohibition is ridiculous and the charge against Mr Holding should be dropped if they can't prove he was dealing to under-16's.
“Politics: Labour has beaten the BNP in a Tameside Council by-election by 1,379 votes to 889. The Tories were third and turnout was 32%.” ITV Text – Home news in brief
The BNP getting as many votes as they are coupled with the low turnout rate should give everyone involved a wake up call. There's a system in place that has enough of us worried as it is, but it could easily be manipulated into something undoubtedly evil by a far-right, racist outfit such as the BNP appear to be, or something like them. Whilst 'Zeitgeist: Addendum' suggests a boycott of the political system, how do we do this without allowing any extremist party to gain power over us and, more to the point, the police and armed forces they'd use to keep us in our place during any transition?
“Surveillance 'creep' slammed
The growth of surveillance and the rise of the database state is “undermining” the public's right to privacy, a damning report by peers has claimed. It criticises the “incessant creep” of CCTC snooping and the recording of personal information by the government. Members of the Lords constitution committee said the UK has more CCTV cameras and a bigger DNA database per person than anywhere else in the world.” ITV Text – News
The Lords have decided they're not keen on all the surveillance after a few of their own fell foul of it while they were trying to sell the odd change of law. Weird that.
“NHS raises negligence budget.
The NHS is expected to pay out more than £700m in clinical negligence payments next year, Tories have said. The rise to £713m is almost double this year's bill of £396m and will take up almost a third of the additional cash hospitals will receive, the party said. The Department of Health said the figure is “substantially higher” than previously due to the likely settlement of more than 100 high-value cases.” ITV Text – News
No doubt people make mistakes, and anyone suffering as a result should have their suffering taken away we're possible – but suing the NHS? And to this level? Really?? You're only screwing each other out of the chance of better care in the future. It could be that your local hospital doesn't get the machine you need to keep you alive because of your own compensation claim, or maybe they don't hire the cleaner that your ward needed to stop the spread of the bug that kills you. As soon as the compensation becomes too much, the powers that be will cut down the NHS until we're all paying insurance for private hospital treatment, fuelling the “I'm alright Jack” attitude that will ultimately lead to our downfall.
“UN halts Gaza aid over 'thefts'
The UN aid agency in Gaza says it has suspended all aid shipments, accusing the Hamas government of seizing hundreds of tonnes of food supplies. Ten lorries carrying flour and rice were taken from the Palestinian side of the Karem Shalom crossing, the UN's Relief and Works Agency (Unrwa) said. Hamas admitted a “mistake” had been made and says it will return the goods. But Unrwa says deliveries will not restart until it has assurances that such seizures will not happen again.” BBC Text – World stories
“Kyrgyz closure of US base 'final'
Kyrgyzstan says its decision to close a US base that serves as a vital supply route for US and NATO operations in Afghanistan is “final”. It contradicts US statements that talks are ongoing about the base's future. Meanwhile, the US has asked to move supplies through Russia, and Tajikistan has said it will allow non-military goods into Afghanistan. Nato is understood to be increasingly concerned about the security of its supply routes through Pakistan.” BBC Text – World Stories
“Pakistan nuclear scientist 'free'
A court in Pakistan has freed disgraced nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan from house arrest. Dr Khan, who has been under tight restrictions since 2004, can now leave home and receive visitors. Dr Khan welcomed the ruling and said he was not bothered what the international community thought of his release. The US has described the move has “unfortunate”, with Secretary of State Hilary Clinton saying she was “very much concerned” by Dr Khan's release.” BBC Text – World Stories
“Nigeria baby poison deaths rise
The death toll from a contaminated baby medicine sold in Nigeria has risen from 34 – recorded in early December – to 84, the health ministry has said. There have been 111 reported cases of children who have fallen ill after being given teething syrup “Mr Pikin”. The poisonous syrup was discovered last November when babies began dying of organ failure across the country. Authorities have called on private pharmacies to turn over stocks of the paracetamol-based syrup to regulators.” BBC Text – World Stories
07/02/2009
“Cannabis milkman spared jail
A 72-year-old father-of-six has been given a 36-week suspended jail sentence for supplying cannabis to his milk round customers along with their bottle of milk. Robert Holding, a grandfather to 29, admitted selling the drug to several “elderly people who had aches and pains”. Burnley Crown Court heard Holding had 17 regular customers and built up his trade through “word of mouth”. Police arrested Holding at his home in Burnley last July, following an investigation over a number of weeks. Officers had discovered cannabis resin in an egg box in his milk van.” Sky Text News
“Ecstasy dangers played down
Taking ecstasy is no worse than riding a horse, the government's top drug advisor has claimed. Professor David Nutt, the chairman of the Home Office's Advisory Council On The Misuse Of Drugs, said taking the drug was no more dangerous than people's addiction to riding. The ACMD is expected to recommend that ecstasy is downgraded from Class A to the less dangerous Class B classification. Ministers have outlined their opposition to the move. Prof Nutt said people could be addicted to riding as well, and termed this “equasy”. He said equasy – equine addiction syndrome – cause more than 100 deaths a year, while ecstasy kills around 30. He explained “This raises the critical question of why society tolerates – indeed encourages – certain forms of potentially harmful behaviour, but not others such as drug use.”” Sky Text News
“US firm 'knew nuts were tainted'
A peanut supplier blamed for a US-wide outbreak of salmonella poisoning sold nuts it knew were infected, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says. The FDA was revising an earlier report it had issued saying the Georgia-based firm Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) had waited for negative results. A criminal inquiry was launched last month. The corporation denies any wrongdoing and says it is co-operating. The outbreak has been linked to eight deaths and more than 500 illnesses.” BBC Text – World Reports
“Latin America poverty 'may soar'
The global financial crisis could cause poverty to rise in Latin America by as much as 15% this year, a senior UN official has warned. Rebecca Grynspan, regional head of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), said Latin American governments needed to take action urgently. She expressed particular concern about smaller countries, saying they might not cope with such a big shock. Analysts fear 2.4 million Latin Americans may lose their jobs.” BBC Text – World Reports
“Atmosphere before income – Quinn
Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has revealed the decision to cut season ticket prices is a move to create an atmosphere at the Stadium of Light. Tickets bought before 3 April will cost £350 - £465, down from £415 - £525 this term, and Quinn hopes the savings will encourage fans to support the club. “We're putting commitment to the team, match attendance and atmosphere above income,” he told BBC Radio Newcastle. “The atmosphere become electric and the players sense the passion and loyalty.”” BBC Text – UK Regions – N.E. & Cumbria
“Agents 'attended INLA death plot'
An INLA meeting plotting the murder of Billy Wright was attended by two unidentified security forces agents, the inquiry into his death has heard. The meeting in north Belfast took place 12 days before the LVF leader was shot dead inside the Maze prison. Asst Chief Constable Alistair Finlay said police knew about the meeting, but did not know what had been discussed. The inquiry heard that the intelligence sources may have been working for the Army or MI5.” BBC Text – UK Regions – Northern Ireland
“Businessman's £71k benefit fraud
A businessman must repay £200,000 after admitting claiming £71,000 in benefits while running two successful firms, Swansea Crown Court has heard. Norman Gill, 60, was receiving income support and council tax relief while the internet fashion company he ran had an annual turnover of around £90,000. He also owned a “substantial property portfolio”, with an income of £3,500 a month from rent, and drove a Mercedes. Gill escaped being sent to jail because his wife has multiple sclerosis.” BBC Text – UK Regions – Wales
“Airtime: Mattress padding
I have written to the three financial institutions where I have savings requesting that they send all monies to me and to close my accounts, as I intend to hold it all at home in cash. The loss of interest is so small that it is insignificant. If it gets stolen, then at least it will be stolen by honest thieves and not ones that wear a suit!” A P, Chatham, Kent – ITV Text Airtime (P.328)
“Airtime: Bond is my word
I am withdrawing 90% of my savings from my bank account and putting the money in Premium Bonds. I don't care if I win a prize or not, but I am not letting any bank make a profit on my hard earned savings and only giving me a pittance in return. It is time savers rebelled, as they are the main losers in this financial crisis.” T J, Beith, Ayrshire – ITV Text – Airtime
“Airtime: Big Brother's already here
The UK has the most CCTV cameras in the world, the largest DNA database in the world (and larger than the other EU countries combined), the most phone and email surveillance and people reporting private conversations that they don't agree with. The House of Lords report on UK surveillance is years too late. Welcome to New Labour's police state.” M S, London SE19 – ITV Text Airtime
Something in the air...........
“Venezuelans march against Chavez
Huge crowds of Venezuelans have taken to the streets to oppose an attempt by President Hugo Chavez to scrap rules barring him from re-election. His supporters say he needs to stand for a third term to finish his socialist revolution, but his opponents worry that it would erode democracy. The country will vote in a referendum on the issue next Sunday. Local media said 600,000 people turned out for the “no” campaign's march, but other sources said tens of thousands.” BBC Text – World Reports
“New Bolivia constitution in force.
Bolivia's President Evo Morales has enacted a new constitution that aims to empower the country's indigenous majority and allows for land reform. Mr Morales said he had accomplished his mission to re-found Bolivia. The new constitution was approved in a referendum last month by 61% of voters, but was rejected in the lowland regions where Bolivia's wealth is concentrated. The constitution also scraps the single term limit for the president, allowing Mr Morales to seek re-election.” BBC Text – World Reports
09/02/2009
“Wilson blocks climate change ad
Northern Ireland's Environment Minister Sammy Wilson has blocked a government advertisement campaign on climate change. The advertisements urged people to reduce energy consumption and cut carbon dioxide output. Mr Wilson said the Scottish executive had objected to the advertisements and stopped them being broadcast. He said the adverts were part of an “insidious propaganda campaign” which would not be imposed on people in NI.” BBC Text – Main Headlines
“Economy 'threatens' news accuracy
Press intrusion and inaccurate reporting are getting worse because the recession has forced newspapers to make cutbacks, a report suggests. The report from the Media Standards Trust says papers are sacrificing standards to maintain sales. A YouGov survey found only 7% of 2,024 people questioned trust UK to national newspapers to behave responsibly. It says the system of self-regulation overseen by the Press Complaints Commission needs urgent reform” BBC Text – UK Reports
10/02/2009
“UK downturn may last 15 years
The current economic downturn will be worse than the Great Depression, Gordon Brown's closest ally has warned. Children's Secretary Ed Balls said the crisis was “the most serious global recession for over 100 years”, and it's effects would be felt for a decade and a half. The comments – easily the gloomiest yet from a senior member of the Government – came in a weekend speech to Labour activists in Yorkshire. “We are now seeing the realities of globalisation, though at a speed, pace and ferocity which none of us have seen before,” Mr Balls said. The Normanton MP suggested the downturn could have similar political effects as the depression in the 1930s, which saw the rise of fascism. “The economy is going to define our politics... in the next five years, the next 10 years and even the next 15 years,” Mr Balls told the delegates.” Sky Text – News – latest
Something drastic needs to happen. They keep tinkering with a faulty system and it's creating more division and less trust. The way people behave during the many crisis we face, real or hyped, is engraved on many people's minds. Everything from the local shop cranking the prices up and taking advantage of a situation at the expense of loyal customers, to communities at each other's throats over someone crossing a picket line. There are people still clinging to the hatred they felt seeing 'scab' labour from their communities crossing picket lines 20-30 years ago. They cross the road to avoid each other, bring their kids up to do anything but 'trust thy neighbour'. Eventually, the very reasons they were striking in the first place (fairness, equality, etc.) are cast aside and the opposite fills the void. We're giving the politicians the power to get things wrong, banks the power to feather their nests, and the media the power to lie to us. They'll continue to do these things while we let them. What's more important is that we don't continue to sink to their standards by constantly trying to get one over each other. They're not going to break the cycle through their own self preservation, and it's easy to see the temptation to follow suit, but we've got to resist.
They first came for the Communists
and I didn't speak up -
because I wasn't a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews
and I didn't speak up -
because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came for the trade unionists
and I didn't speak up -
because I wasn't a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Catholics
and I didn't speak up -
because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me -
and by that time no one
was left to speak up.
Pastor Martin Niemoeller
(Nazi Victim)
11/02/2009
“Tories come clean over Titian
The Tories have admitted that a member of staff altered an entry on Wikipedia following yesterdays' Prime Minister's Questions, in order to match a statement by David Cameron. Renaissance painter Titian's biography was changed after a spat with Gordon Brown over the artist's age when he died. Titian came up as Mr Cameron asserted that Mr Brown never got his facts right, saying: “You told us the other day you were like Titian aged 90. The fact is Titian died at 86.” Within minutes, the entry on the on-line encyclopaedia was altered by a user registered at Conservative Party HQ. Titian's date of death was altered from 1576 to 1572, to match Mr Cameron's claim. It has since been changed back – although the exact date of death is not known. A party spokesman blamed the edit on “an overeager member of staff”. Mr Brown mentioned Titian's age last month.” Sky Text – News – Latest
I've seen so many stories like this, 'facts' being altered to fit political party's views, and always think of George Orwell's '1984'.
Last year, I received a reply from the bank about reclaiming the bank charges on my account:
“....I regret this legislation and s.187 in particular, has been commonly misinterpreted. Where the law refers to a “charge” this is meant as in the sense “to assign an asset” rather than “to incur a fee”. The true meaning of this section, therefore, is that benefits cannot be used as security or assigned to a third party. This does not mean we cannot charge fees in respect of the products and services we offer you as your banker” - 'Double-Think' if I remember right.
If it says “....has been commonly misinterpreted..” doesn't that just mean a lot of people think charge means what charge ACTUALLY means, making our meaning what should be in the dictionary – we all use the same language so surely the words and definitions used by the majority should be the ones these people can use against us rather than a language only they understand??? I'll take my beating if it's me at fault but they want it every way up, surely they can let us win one gracefully without changing the rules! This came through the post on the same day some analyst or other had told the banks that their accounts are too confusing to the general public – to which the banks told him to fuck off and mind his own business, or words to that effect.
I apologise for my scatter gun approach to writing, but it's my approach to thinking unfortunately. I also apologise for the size of the updates and realise a lot won't read it through a combination of my rambling and shoddy writing, but I'm not on-line so can only update when I get on one of the mate's laptop.
“Court: Burnley milkman Robert Holding, 72, who supplied cannabis on his daily round, is due to be sentenced at the town's crown court.” ITV Text – Home news in brief
I see the people who shouted the loudest over the Brand/Ross phone call as the more conservative of society, so I won't hold my breath for the same people to be so vocal on the issue of this 70-odd year old being put through far more stress than the other (Mr Sachs). After seeing “Horizon: Cannabis – The Killer Weed?” on BBC2 Monday night, I came to the conclusion that smoking it before the age of 15 is not recommended due to the brain's development, but after that we're “wired” with hundreds of receptors to receive the THC contained within the plant and it would benefit us as a species to fully explore how marijuana can improve all of our lives. The prohibition is ridiculous and the charge against Mr Holding should be dropped if they can't prove he was dealing to under-16's.
“Politics: Labour has beaten the BNP in a Tameside Council by-election by 1,379 votes to 889. The Tories were third and turnout was 32%.” ITV Text – Home news in brief
The BNP getting as many votes as they are coupled with the low turnout rate should give everyone involved a wake up call. There's a system in place that has enough of us worried as it is, but it could easily be manipulated into something undoubtedly evil by a far-right, racist outfit such as the BNP appear to be, or something like them. Whilst 'Zeitgeist: Addendum' suggests a boycott of the political system, how do we do this without allowing any extremist party to gain power over us and, more to the point, the police and armed forces they'd use to keep us in our place during any transition?
“Surveillance 'creep' slammed
The growth of surveillance and the rise of the database state is “undermining” the public's right to privacy, a damning report by peers has claimed. It criticises the “incessant creep” of CCTC snooping and the recording of personal information by the government. Members of the Lords constitution committee said the UK has more CCTV cameras and a bigger DNA database per person than anywhere else in the world.” ITV Text – News
The Lords have decided they're not keen on all the surveillance after a few of their own fell foul of it while they were trying to sell the odd change of law. Weird that.
“NHS raises negligence budget.
The NHS is expected to pay out more than £700m in clinical negligence payments next year, Tories have said. The rise to £713m is almost double this year's bill of £396m and will take up almost a third of the additional cash hospitals will receive, the party said. The Department of Health said the figure is “substantially higher” than previously due to the likely settlement of more than 100 high-value cases.” ITV Text – News
No doubt people make mistakes, and anyone suffering as a result should have their suffering taken away we're possible – but suing the NHS? And to this level? Really?? You're only screwing each other out of the chance of better care in the future. It could be that your local hospital doesn't get the machine you need to keep you alive because of your own compensation claim, or maybe they don't hire the cleaner that your ward needed to stop the spread of the bug that kills you. As soon as the compensation becomes too much, the powers that be will cut down the NHS until we're all paying insurance for private hospital treatment, fuelling the “I'm alright Jack” attitude that will ultimately lead to our downfall.
“UN halts Gaza aid over 'thefts'
The UN aid agency in Gaza says it has suspended all aid shipments, accusing the Hamas government of seizing hundreds of tonnes of food supplies. Ten lorries carrying flour and rice were taken from the Palestinian side of the Karem Shalom crossing, the UN's Relief and Works Agency (Unrwa) said. Hamas admitted a “mistake” had been made and says it will return the goods. But Unrwa says deliveries will not restart until it has assurances that such seizures will not happen again.” BBC Text – World stories
“Kyrgyz closure of US base 'final'
Kyrgyzstan says its decision to close a US base that serves as a vital supply route for US and NATO operations in Afghanistan is “final”. It contradicts US statements that talks are ongoing about the base's future. Meanwhile, the US has asked to move supplies through Russia, and Tajikistan has said it will allow non-military goods into Afghanistan. Nato is understood to be increasingly concerned about the security of its supply routes through Pakistan.” BBC Text – World Stories
“Pakistan nuclear scientist 'free'
A court in Pakistan has freed disgraced nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan from house arrest. Dr Khan, who has been under tight restrictions since 2004, can now leave home and receive visitors. Dr Khan welcomed the ruling and said he was not bothered what the international community thought of his release. The US has described the move has “unfortunate”, with Secretary of State Hilary Clinton saying she was “very much concerned” by Dr Khan's release.” BBC Text – World Stories
“Nigeria baby poison deaths rise
The death toll from a contaminated baby medicine sold in Nigeria has risen from 34 – recorded in early December – to 84, the health ministry has said. There have been 111 reported cases of children who have fallen ill after being given teething syrup “Mr Pikin”. The poisonous syrup was discovered last November when babies began dying of organ failure across the country. Authorities have called on private pharmacies to turn over stocks of the paracetamol-based syrup to regulators.” BBC Text – World Stories
07/02/2009
“Cannabis milkman spared jail
A 72-year-old father-of-six has been given a 36-week suspended jail sentence for supplying cannabis to his milk round customers along with their bottle of milk. Robert Holding, a grandfather to 29, admitted selling the drug to several “elderly people who had aches and pains”. Burnley Crown Court heard Holding had 17 regular customers and built up his trade through “word of mouth”. Police arrested Holding at his home in Burnley last July, following an investigation over a number of weeks. Officers had discovered cannabis resin in an egg box in his milk van.” Sky Text News
“Ecstasy dangers played down
Taking ecstasy is no worse than riding a horse, the government's top drug advisor has claimed. Professor David Nutt, the chairman of the Home Office's Advisory Council On The Misuse Of Drugs, said taking the drug was no more dangerous than people's addiction to riding. The ACMD is expected to recommend that ecstasy is downgraded from Class A to the less dangerous Class B classification. Ministers have outlined their opposition to the move. Prof Nutt said people could be addicted to riding as well, and termed this “equasy”. He said equasy – equine addiction syndrome – cause more than 100 deaths a year, while ecstasy kills around 30. He explained “This raises the critical question of why society tolerates – indeed encourages – certain forms of potentially harmful behaviour, but not others such as drug use.”” Sky Text News
“US firm 'knew nuts were tainted'
A peanut supplier blamed for a US-wide outbreak of salmonella poisoning sold nuts it knew were infected, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says. The FDA was revising an earlier report it had issued saying the Georgia-based firm Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) had waited for negative results. A criminal inquiry was launched last month. The corporation denies any wrongdoing and says it is co-operating. The outbreak has been linked to eight deaths and more than 500 illnesses.” BBC Text – World Reports
“Latin America poverty 'may soar'
The global financial crisis could cause poverty to rise in Latin America by as much as 15% this year, a senior UN official has warned. Rebecca Grynspan, regional head of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), said Latin American governments needed to take action urgently. She expressed particular concern about smaller countries, saying they might not cope with such a big shock. Analysts fear 2.4 million Latin Americans may lose their jobs.” BBC Text – World Reports
“Atmosphere before income – Quinn
Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has revealed the decision to cut season ticket prices is a move to create an atmosphere at the Stadium of Light. Tickets bought before 3 April will cost £350 - £465, down from £415 - £525 this term, and Quinn hopes the savings will encourage fans to support the club. “We're putting commitment to the team, match attendance and atmosphere above income,” he told BBC Radio Newcastle. “The atmosphere become electric and the players sense the passion and loyalty.”” BBC Text – UK Regions – N.E. & Cumbria
“Agents 'attended INLA death plot'
An INLA meeting plotting the murder of Billy Wright was attended by two unidentified security forces agents, the inquiry into his death has heard. The meeting in north Belfast took place 12 days before the LVF leader was shot dead inside the Maze prison. Asst Chief Constable Alistair Finlay said police knew about the meeting, but did not know what had been discussed. The inquiry heard that the intelligence sources may have been working for the Army or MI5.” BBC Text – UK Regions – Northern Ireland
“Businessman's £71k benefit fraud
A businessman must repay £200,000 after admitting claiming £71,000 in benefits while running two successful firms, Swansea Crown Court has heard. Norman Gill, 60, was receiving income support and council tax relief while the internet fashion company he ran had an annual turnover of around £90,000. He also owned a “substantial property portfolio”, with an income of £3,500 a month from rent, and drove a Mercedes. Gill escaped being sent to jail because his wife has multiple sclerosis.” BBC Text – UK Regions – Wales
“Airtime: Mattress padding
I have written to the three financial institutions where I have savings requesting that they send all monies to me and to close my accounts, as I intend to hold it all at home in cash. The loss of interest is so small that it is insignificant. If it gets stolen, then at least it will be stolen by honest thieves and not ones that wear a suit!” A P, Chatham, Kent – ITV Text Airtime (P.328)
“Airtime: Bond is my word
I am withdrawing 90% of my savings from my bank account and putting the money in Premium Bonds. I don't care if I win a prize or not, but I am not letting any bank make a profit on my hard earned savings and only giving me a pittance in return. It is time savers rebelled, as they are the main losers in this financial crisis.” T J, Beith, Ayrshire – ITV Text – Airtime
“Airtime: Big Brother's already here
The UK has the most CCTV cameras in the world, the largest DNA database in the world (and larger than the other EU countries combined), the most phone and email surveillance and people reporting private conversations that they don't agree with. The House of Lords report on UK surveillance is years too late. Welcome to New Labour's police state.” M S, London SE19 – ITV Text Airtime
Something in the air...........
“Venezuelans march against Chavez
Huge crowds of Venezuelans have taken to the streets to oppose an attempt by President Hugo Chavez to scrap rules barring him from re-election. His supporters say he needs to stand for a third term to finish his socialist revolution, but his opponents worry that it would erode democracy. The country will vote in a referendum on the issue next Sunday. Local media said 600,000 people turned out for the “no” campaign's march, but other sources said tens of thousands.” BBC Text – World Reports
“New Bolivia constitution in force.
Bolivia's President Evo Morales has enacted a new constitution that aims to empower the country's indigenous majority and allows for land reform. Mr Morales said he had accomplished his mission to re-found Bolivia. The new constitution was approved in a referendum last month by 61% of voters, but was rejected in the lowland regions where Bolivia's wealth is concentrated. The constitution also scraps the single term limit for the president, allowing Mr Morales to seek re-election.” BBC Text – World Reports
09/02/2009
“Wilson blocks climate change ad
Northern Ireland's Environment Minister Sammy Wilson has blocked a government advertisement campaign on climate change. The advertisements urged people to reduce energy consumption and cut carbon dioxide output. Mr Wilson said the Scottish executive had objected to the advertisements and stopped them being broadcast. He said the adverts were part of an “insidious propaganda campaign” which would not be imposed on people in NI.” BBC Text – Main Headlines
“Economy 'threatens' news accuracy
Press intrusion and inaccurate reporting are getting worse because the recession has forced newspapers to make cutbacks, a report suggests. The report from the Media Standards Trust says papers are sacrificing standards to maintain sales. A YouGov survey found only 7% of 2,024 people questioned trust UK to national newspapers to behave responsibly. It says the system of self-regulation overseen by the Press Complaints Commission needs urgent reform” BBC Text – UK Reports
10/02/2009
“UK downturn may last 15 years
The current economic downturn will be worse than the Great Depression, Gordon Brown's closest ally has warned. Children's Secretary Ed Balls said the crisis was “the most serious global recession for over 100 years”, and it's effects would be felt for a decade and a half. The comments – easily the gloomiest yet from a senior member of the Government – came in a weekend speech to Labour activists in Yorkshire. “We are now seeing the realities of globalisation, though at a speed, pace and ferocity which none of us have seen before,” Mr Balls said. The Normanton MP suggested the downturn could have similar political effects as the depression in the 1930s, which saw the rise of fascism. “The economy is going to define our politics... in the next five years, the next 10 years and even the next 15 years,” Mr Balls told the delegates.” Sky Text – News – latest
Something drastic needs to happen. They keep tinkering with a faulty system and it's creating more division and less trust. The way people behave during the many crisis we face, real or hyped, is engraved on many people's minds. Everything from the local shop cranking the prices up and taking advantage of a situation at the expense of loyal customers, to communities at each other's throats over someone crossing a picket line. There are people still clinging to the hatred they felt seeing 'scab' labour from their communities crossing picket lines 20-30 years ago. They cross the road to avoid each other, bring their kids up to do anything but 'trust thy neighbour'. Eventually, the very reasons they were striking in the first place (fairness, equality, etc.) are cast aside and the opposite fills the void. We're giving the politicians the power to get things wrong, banks the power to feather their nests, and the media the power to lie to us. They'll continue to do these things while we let them. What's more important is that we don't continue to sink to their standards by constantly trying to get one over each other. They're not going to break the cycle through their own self preservation, and it's easy to see the temptation to follow suit, but we've got to resist.
They first came for the Communists
and I didn't speak up -
because I wasn't a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews
and I didn't speak up -
because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came for the trade unionists
and I didn't speak up -
because I wasn't a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Catholics
and I didn't speak up -
because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me -
and by that time no one
was left to speak up.
Pastor Martin Niemoeller
(Nazi Victim)
11/02/2009
“Tories come clean over Titian
The Tories have admitted that a member of staff altered an entry on Wikipedia following yesterdays' Prime Minister's Questions, in order to match a statement by David Cameron. Renaissance painter Titian's biography was changed after a spat with Gordon Brown over the artist's age when he died. Titian came up as Mr Cameron asserted that Mr Brown never got his facts right, saying: “You told us the other day you were like Titian aged 90. The fact is Titian died at 86.” Within minutes, the entry on the on-line encyclopaedia was altered by a user registered at Conservative Party HQ. Titian's date of death was altered from 1576 to 1572, to match Mr Cameron's claim. It has since been changed back – although the exact date of death is not known. A party spokesman blamed the edit on “an overeager member of staff”. Mr Brown mentioned Titian's age last month.” Sky Text – News – Latest
I've seen so many stories like this, 'facts' being altered to fit political party's views, and always think of George Orwell's '1984'.
Last year, I received a reply from the bank about reclaiming the bank charges on my account:
“....I regret this legislation and s.187 in particular, has been commonly misinterpreted. Where the law refers to a “charge” this is meant as in the sense “to assign an asset” rather than “to incur a fee”. The true meaning of this section, therefore, is that benefits cannot be used as security or assigned to a third party. This does not mean we cannot charge fees in respect of the products and services we offer you as your banker” - 'Double-Think' if I remember right.
If it says “....has been commonly misinterpreted..” doesn't that just mean a lot of people think charge means what charge ACTUALLY means, making our meaning what should be in the dictionary – we all use the same language so surely the words and definitions used by the majority should be the ones these people can use against us rather than a language only they understand??? I'll take my beating if it's me at fault but they want it every way up, surely they can let us win one gracefully without changing the rules! This came through the post on the same day some analyst or other had told the banks that their accounts are too confusing to the general public – to which the banks told him to fuck off and mind his own business, or words to that effect.
I apologise for my scatter gun approach to writing, but it's my approach to thinking unfortunately. I also apologise for the size of the updates and realise a lot won't read it through a combination of my rambling and shoddy writing, but I'm not on-line so can only update when I get on one of the mate's laptop.
posted by Anfield1 at 4:32 pm
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