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. 

Workers given green light to pursue equal pay claims

Link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/nov/29/workers-equal-pay-claims-court

Summary:

174 women who worked for the Birmingham city council have won their crusade against discrimination. The women, who felt the wages they were being paid infringed the Equal Pay Act of 1970, decided to take a stand after other lower-paid women had a similar cases against Sheffield city council.

The court of appeal will now be hearing the cases of cooks, cleaners and caretakers demanding equal pay. Before their victory, discrimination cases could only be heard by the employment tribunal where they were lodged within six months after leaving the job or changing contract within employment. Equality cases will now be heard in the high court where there is a six-year limit to solve the case.

My reaction:

I find it really shocking that in developed countries like the UK there is still so much discrimination in the workplace. In Spain too, you will often hear about female workers who are paid less, who have to endure harassment or that will never be promoted because of being women.

Another thing that really bothers me is the slowness of justice. I think cases are shelved too often and people or companies get away with offenses because bureaucratic reasons, so it really is good news that these cases can be heard in the high court.

I have to say I was very pleased to read this piece of news because thanks to the bravery of these women who have decided to take a stand, justice is a bit more fair. 

Relationships education still fails to reach most young people

Link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2011/nov/14/schools-sex-education

Summary

The biology of reproduction is a part of the science curriculum in England but schools do not have to teach students about relationships, sexuality or choices in pregnancy. However, some schools choose to give SRE lessons, although parents can withdraw their children from them if they feel they are incompatible with their beliefs. Pregnancy and STD rates among teenagers in the UK sparked the debate: should sex and relationships education be compulsory in State Schools? Some parents feel this law clashes with their freedom to educate their children. Furthermore, teenage pregnancy and STDs are not the only sex related problems that compulsory SRE might help address. Girls will be more likely to react against sexual cyber-bullying, genital mutilation and forced marriage if they receive appropriate information too. So, sex education should not be just about the mechanics. Most importantly, students should be taught how to deal with emotions and real-life dilemmas. Finally, the Government will have to decide what is more important: potentially life-saving information or parents’ right to educate.

My reaction

In a few years, sex has become a big part of our society. However, it seems that we are failing to prepare young people for a healthy sexual life. This is because although we are not afraid to speak about sex, we are not addressing the topic properly. I think that making Sex and Relationships Education compulsory in State Schools is a good idea. However, I do believe that in order to lower pregnancy and STD rates we need to focus more on relationships rather than sex itself because many of these problems have to do with their attitudes rather than with lack of information. We must emphasize the seriousness of the topic in schools and teach students that it is their health and future they are dealing with. I also think that it is schools’ duty to provide such information because it is a way of protecting children with neglectful parents. So, although I think every parent has his right to educate his child according to his values, I think health comes before freedom, especially if we are talking about children.  

Banks face probe into 'racist' lending practices

Link: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/banks-face-probe-into-racist-lending-practices-6267066.html

Summary

Nick Clegg is ordering an investigation of British banks because he suspects he they are carrying out discriminatory practices.Recent studies have shown that 35% British with black-African origin are willing to start a business but only 6% end up doing it. The deputy prime minister claims that not only it is more difficult for black entrepreneurs to get a bank loan, but when they do so they are charged higher rates. Moreover, in his lecture about the topic he will also argue that it is the banks responsibility to unleash black and ethnic-minority talent.

Although in his speech he will be admitting other factors that prevent black people’s business from succeeding, he will also argue that because of such barriers banks should be more understanding and give them opportunities.

 My reaction

I decided to write about this article in my blog because I found it very shocking that a politician could make such accusation. I think that accusing banks of not giving loans or charging higher rates to black people is a bit over the top. Banks are businesses and after all, they are driven by profits and not principles. Of course, discrimination is still a problem in UK and in most countries but I don’t think this is a matter of racism.

Since these are difficult times for most British, I think that if he really cares about the people and wants to improve the economy he should ask for more opportunities for the British in general and not only minorities. 

Head teacher attacked with bleach over school merger

Link

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/8894341/Head-teacher-attacked-with-bleach-over-school-merger.html

Summary

Jim Keefe, head of Arnold School in Blackpool, had bleech thrown bleach in his face after he answered the door of his home on Tuesday. While the head teacher recovers from the injuries suffered to eyes and skin, the police are investigating whether the incident had something to do with the school's merger with King Edward VII and Queen Mary School.

The merger had been controversial since the very beginning. Some argued that Mr Keefe had a vested interest in the merger because he was going to become the head of the new school and benefit economically from it. However, the school officials have been quick to deny these accusations. The Trust, a non-profit organization supervising mergers, has guaranteed that no governor or trustee would benefit financially from the merger.

My reaction

I was really shocked by this article. I think it is extremely cowardly to attack someone and run away, so we should condemn this type of behavior. Most of us will agree that teachers and school officials are at risk of violence, but we tend to think it is students who will be violent. Although everyone is a potential suspect, in this case it seems more likely that the aggressor is an adult. I can understand that parents and students who are worried about their education question what is behind the merger, but even if he had a hidden interest in the merger, violence is not the answer.

Grandmother 'tortured for PIN code'

Link

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/grandmother-tortured-for-pin-code-6263001.html

Summary

A pensioner was tortured to death for her PIN code in Brambridge, Hampshire, in January 2008. Georgina Edmonds, 77, was found lying in a pool of blood by her own son. As soon as he entered the house he noticed that something was wrong, but he never would have expected to find his mother beaten to death on the floor. Her credit card, mobile phone and handbag had also been stolen. According to Michael Bowes, prosecutor of the case, the type of knife wounds found in Mrs. Edmonds body suggest escalating violence in order to get information out of her. Hamlen, a self-employed electrician with drug debts is the main suspect for the murder. Evidence has proved that he had attempted to use Mrs. Edmonds card in a nearby cash machine and that he was wondering around the neighborhood the night of the crime, but we will have to wait until tomorrow to see if Hamlen is finally declared guilty.

My reaction

It is a pity to see crimes on the news so often. I also feel the economic crisis is raising crime even more. Besides violent crimes, people are coming up with al type of rip-offs and frauds so everyone is becoming more distrustful.

This piece of news really caught my attention because I think it is even more terrible to attack those who are defenseless. In order to avoid these crimes, I think police vigilance could be increased in some neighborhoods and people of advanced age should get personal alarm systems that are specially designed for them.

In Mrs. Edmonds’ case, the only thing that can be done now is make sure the murderer gets a fair sentence and that he is judged as soon as possible.

X Factor Finals 2011: Frankie Cocozza is all smiles as he returns to Brighton despite getting axed over drug scandal

Link

http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/tv/2011/11/09/x-factor-finals-2011-frankie-cocozza-is-all-smiles-as-he-returns-to-brighton-despite-getting-axed-over-drug-scandal-115875-23549108/

Summary

Being kicked off X factor doesn’t seem to have affected Frankie Cocozza that much. Just one day after X Factor contestant was axed for breaking competition rules, he was seen smiling arrogantly as he returned home.

Before his expulsion he had apologized to Gary, his fellow contestants and fans but soon after he was caught by the paparazzi with a much more carefree attitude. For his part, Gary Barlow has tweeted that he is still in a shock over his mentee’s drug use. With regard to the programme, who will replace Cocozza is still a secret. 

My reaction

As a future teacher, the extent to which adults influence a teenager’s behavior does worry me lot. While a child often looks up to his parents or his teacher, teenagers tend to copy their favourite celebrities. The lifestyles of many celebrities are splashed across the media so even those teenagers with a solid family background might end up choosing the wrong role models. 

X Factor is a good example of this. It is a programme which is targeted at a young audience and it is an extremely popular show so, I think they have acted wisely by kick Frankie Cocozza out of the contest. Hopefully, teenagers will see that this behavior is not acceptable and similar celebrities will try to keep their image clean for the sake of their careers.

Finally, I would like to make clear that even though celebrities have the right to do what they want in their private life, bragging about taking cocaine in a show for teenagers is simply unacceptable.

Towns where 1 in 4 young people are 'Neets' revealed

Link
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/nov/03/towns-where-1-in-4-neets





Summary
According to a recent report, one in 4 young people are not employed, in education or training (Neets) in some areas in England. While cities such as Aberdeen, Oxford, Cambridge and Plymouth have less than 10% Neets, towns in the outskirts and areas of industrial decline are facing large percentages of unemployment. The problem gets even worse for those who have little-to-no qualifications, so it is not surprising that a feeling of ‘no future’ could already be sensed in some of these areas.

My reaction

This article actually portrays something that is happening in most European countries and that affects me directly. It shows that the crisis is having a worrying effect on young people in the UK. The fact that nearly a quarter of British between 16 and 25 are Neets (Not employed, in education or training) shows that young people in Britain are facing complicated times. Although qualification usually make a difference, such unemployment rates reveal that higher education does not necessarily guarantee a job.  This is extremely discouraging for young people like us because even though we choose to study because we want to have a broader knowledge, we do expect that by improving our qualifications we will get a better job. At best, the young unemployed will agree to have unpaid internships or accept underpaid jobs hoping to get some job experience. Of course, big companies actually benefit from these rubbish contracts while the young people who they hire aren’t even able to leave the family home. Other young people will just hang around doing nothing. In my opinion, facing unemployment at the beginning of your career will have a negative effect on the motivation and self-confidence of young generations in the UK. Likewise, this attitude will damage not only the economy but also society as a whole.  We can already see young people’s discontent just by looking at the quick growth of the occupy movement, so I think tackling the Neets should be one of the governments major priorities.