Gary Dobson and David Norris found guilty of the murder of Stephen Lawrence

Link: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/gary-dobson-and-david-norris-found-guilty-of-the-murder-of-stephenlawrence-6284407.html#disqus_thread

Summary:

Stephen Lawrence was stabbed to death in Eltham, south east London in 1993. Nearly 19 years after the racist attack, a British jury has finally condemned two men for Laurence’s murder. Gary Dobson and David Norris, who had declared themselves innocent, remained calm during the trial but were unable to hold back their tears when the jury stated they were guilty. Shortly after, the two men were taken down to their cells. The judge will be sentencing them sometime tomorrow. Meanwhile, the victim’s mother has stated she is no longer angry about her son’s death but admits that the sadness will always be there.

My reaction:

I cannot imagine how powerless Lawrence’s family must have felt during all these years. It is a big shame that justice can be delayed for so many years but, at the same time, it is really good news that the case has finally been solved. Although nearly 19 years have passed since they committed the crimes, they should still pay for what they have done.

I also think it is very positive that the case has sparked the debate because it has made everyone more aware of how prejudiced society is. I do believe that even in modern and multicultural societies people are still quite racist. It happens in the UK, in the Netherlands, in Spain... These people are shopkeepers, lawyers, teachers and police officers; and as a consequence, government institutions can be led by racist values. In this sense, I really hope the Lawrence case serves as an example and helps prevent similar cases. 

Celebrity leftovers: The fascination with crumbs stars leave behind

Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-16357894

Summary:

Knowing everything about celebrities and their lives has become the latest form of entertainment. Michael and Francesca Bennett, are taking advantage of this cultural phenomena and created a museum where anyone can admire their idol’s leftovers. Everything started in when photographer David Bailey dropped in their Cornwall cafe and the couple decided to keep his half-eaten sandwich as a way of commemorating his visit. Although some believe this is the height of nonsense, Mr Bennett says his museum portrays modern celebrity culture. Despite its success, the Bennett’s children are reluctant to continue with the family business. The cafe has already been sold but Mr Bennett refuses to believe that the ‘Museum of Celebrity Leftovers’ days are numbered.

My reaction:

I found this article quite funny because I think it really silly that there is a museum which displays celebrity left-overs. I can understand that people are slightly curious about celebrities and their personal lives. However, going to a museum of celebrity left-overs and taking a picture beside Pete Doherty’s sandwich crust is, in my opinion, a bit extreme. So, I would never visit the museum myself but there should be entertainment for everyone.  I also think the Bennetts have been very intelligent businessmen because they have created a museum out of the blue but I do understand that their children do not want to continue with the family business. 

More children to receive pupil premium, minister says

Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-16131991

Summary:

British children who are registered for free school meals will soon benefit from a new pupil premium. The £488 premium will be added to schools’ ordinary funding in order to tackle inequalities. According to the Children’s Minister Sarah Teather the measure will solve the ongoing educational gap between rich and poor children. She claims that the economical support will help thousands of children to succeed. Besides this, other aspects of the education system should be improved too. For this reason, schools Minister Nick Gibb has proposed a "master teacher qualification”; that will hopefully raise teacher status and simplify the current system of standards.  

My reaction:

I think it is a great idea that the government is helping children who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Certainly, children who are registered for school lunches need this extra money, so it is a good way of fighting inequality. However, I do not see how this premium is going to improve poor children’s academic results. I mean, is money to blame for the education gap between the rich and the poor? Of course, money can buy text books and school materials but it will not change the environment in which these children are growing. If parents do not encourage them to study and teachers have low expectations on them, poor children will keep doing worse than rich children at school. 

easyJet founder launches scheme to let people rent out their cars

Link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2011/dec/12/easy-jet-founder-car-club

Summary:

EasyJet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Joannou and lastminute.com founder Brent Hoberman are teaming up for a car club venture. The initiative will allow people to rent their neighbours’ car when they are not using it. According to Haji-Joannou, the rental prices will be decided by the car owners and will be more affordable than ordinary ones. On its side, EasyCar will reduce its costs by putting lazy capital to work but will have to ensure the vehicles with tracking systems. According to Hoberman, with businesses and households struggling to make ends meet, this thrifty alternative will be likely to succeed.

My reaction:

I think this is a brilliant idea because many cars are being unused in parking lots because their owners are away. Also, as Hoberman says, with the financial crisis everyone is looking for good deals and trying to make the most of their money so I think this new car hire system is likely to be successful. Also, with this initiative everyone will win because the people who rent the car will save money and those who lend their car will have a new source of income. I do believe that since owners decide the renting prince and Easycar guarantees their car is safe, many car owners will be willing to lend their cars for rental. 

Christmas Shopping: Sales Come Early As Retailers Try To Rescue Christmas

Link: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2011/12/10/christmas-shopping-sales-start-early_n_1140611.html

Summary:

This year British retailers have decided to start sales earlier in order to boost spending. The first store chains to offer discounts have been Marks&Spencer, French Connection and Baratts. Queues formed outside high street have proved that the early sales have been quite successful so far. For instance, Bullring shopping centre in Birmingham is expecting 220 000 shoppers just in the first day and traders in Oxford Street and Regent Street are estimating their profit to be around £150 million. Retailers have also been lucky because the bad weather is forcing people into the shops.

My reaction:

This article shows that the financial crisis has really become a global concern. Households are experiencing reduced earnings and we are all trying to cut on unnecessary expenditure. When it comes to Christmas a smaller budget means more modest presents and celebrations. The downside to this is that as we worry about our own budgets we lower consumption and with this, employment and GDP fall; so we are actually making the situation worse. Although this is really bad news, I would like to think that at least it will make people less materialistic and realize what Christmas is really about.

Human rights chief issues warning to UK over weakening of laws

Link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/2011/dec/10/human-rights-uk-laws

Summary:

David Cameron’s will to replace the Human Rights Act with a new Bill of Rights has alarmed European commissioner for human rights Thomas Hammarberg. The law was drawn after WWII in an attempt to guarantee basic rights to all European citizens. However, Conservative MPs have recently expressed their disagreement with this law, especially with the fact that it that guarantees prisoners the right to vote. Moreover, legal action has already been taken against some prisons in the UK that have denied inmates their right to vote. Hammargerg has expressed great concern about the issue because according to him the UK’s desire to weaken human right protection might be setting a bad example for other European countries with poor human right records. 

My reaction:

I think that it is quite worrying that Conservative MPs are even considering replacing the Human Rights Act but it is even more worrying that some prisons have been getting away with this. In my opinion this is a form of abuse.

People who break the law are sent to prison and are deprived from their freedom as a punishment for it. However, someone who is serving sentence is still a human being. Just like we cannot torture him, we should not take their civil and political rights because their punishment is already being in prison. Besides this, most of us would agree that prisons should reform criminals and a good way to start being a proper citizen is to let him express his views in a civilized way (i.e. voting).So, I believe prisoners should be allowed to vote unless their political views are a threaten to the country.

Hospital admissions due to drinking double in 10 years

Link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/dec/09/hospital-admissions-drinking-double

Summary:

Health authorities have sounded alarm bells over England’s alcohol misuse crisis. Recent statistics carried out by the NHS show that the number of hospital admissions due to too much drinking has risen 9% in the last year and has more than doubled in nine years. According to health secretary Andrew Lansley, England is facing a problem of both binge drinking and long-term alcohol consumption. Although he keeps on blaming the previous government for the alcohol misuse crisis, he is also showing his concern to address the issue. Finally, Lansley has revealed that the Conservative Party is already working on a new alcohol strategy that will be carried out sometime next year.

 My reaction:

Drug education and campaigns tend to focus on hard drugs forgetting that alcohol is a dangerous drug too. It is a part of our social life and for many teenagers it is a recreational drug that can cause physical and psychological illnesses. Besides this, binge drinking is also related to risky behaviour such as DUI, unprotected sex and violence. Therefore, I think Politicians should stop this game blame about who is responsible for the problem and start to act. Instead of raising the price of alcohol, which in my opinion would have little effect on alcohol consumption, they should make sure that shopkeepers are not selling alcohol to minors. Also, education should draw attention to the negative effects of alcohol because it is really worrying that many young people can’t have fun without drinking.