Man convicted of £40m Graff jewellery heist

A man who held a "petrified" shop assistant at gunpoint during Britain's biggest jewellery robbery last summer was convicted for his part in the £40m raid. The £40m of jewellery stolen from Graff Diamonds in London has never been recovered. Aman Kassaye, 25, was found guilty at Woolwich crown court, London, of kidnap, conspiracy to rob and possessing a firearm. He was acquitted of another gun possession charge. Kassaye was found guilty on the ninth day of the jury's deliberations. The jury is still considering verdicts on six other people who deny charges relating to the robbery.

I am glad to hear that at least one of them is convicted, now I hope that the other six will be convicted soon as well. Even though there are denying having anything to do with it, I still think that all seven of them are indeed guilty and hopefully the jury will see this as well. I am very curious though what happened with the stolen £40m of jewellery and where it is. I hope this will get found very soon, because £40m is a lot of money. I am also wondering how many years he had to behind bars, I hope a lot.

Link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/jun/25/man-convicted-graff-jewellery-heist

Queen marks official birthday at Trooping the Colour

The Queen marked her 84th official birthday on June 12, 2010 with a review of hundreds of soldiers in the annual Trooping the Colour. The parade included more than 1,400 soldiers in the traditional uniforms of the Household Cavalry, Royal Horse Artillery and Foot Guards. The Queen took the royal salute as she has done every year since 1952, with the exception of 1955. The ceremony, which marks the official birthday of British monarchs, was created so sovereigns whose birthdays fell in the winter months were able to enjoy a day of pageantry during fine summer weather. It always falls on a Saturday in June.

It sounds like a nice birthday celebration, but it sounds like the same thing happens every year. I do not know if that is true, but they could change a few thing in order to keep it really entertaining. I understand that sometimes a queen’s birthday is not celebrated on their actual birthday, because it falls in the winter month which would make it a less enjoyable day. I knew that we in the Netherlands do not always celebrate the Queen’s/king’s birthday on their actual birthday, but I thought that we were the only country that did this, I had no idea that the United Kingdom did this as well.

Link: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article7148847.ece

New mothers forced back to work over debt worries

In contrast to the image of modern mothers "having it all", more than half of those returning to work after the birth of a child do so because of financial constraints, and one in 10 are doing so before the end of their planned maternity leave. Although the financial impact forced 9% back to work early and another 9% to rethink their plans to be a stay-at-home mum, 40% take a pay-cut so they can work part time. The cost of living coupled with the cost of a mortgage means that many households today need two incomes to get by. New mothers are often paying the price for this.

I think it is sad that new mothers have to pay the price for it. However, I do think that when you decide to have a baby you should consider this all and come up with a plan. It seems that a lot of women do not have any idea what kind of effect having a baby has on their career. I would advise everyone who wants to have a baby to think of everything, this includes the financial aspect, because babies are expensive. It is still sad that the cost are so high that new mothers have to pay for this.

Link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2010/jun/18/new-mothers-work-debt-worries

Pampered pupils get lessons in life skills to cope at university

According to head teachers and academics, there are increasing numbers of privileged students that are arriving at university unable to use a washing machine, cook a simple meal or look after themselves. One boarding school is so concerned that pupils will not be able to cope at university that it is sending sixth-formers to live in self-contained cabins. Pupils at Abbotsholme are given an allowance with which to budget for household goods. They are expected to use it to buy replacement light bulbs, bin bags and toilet rolls as well as their food for the week.

To be honest, I myself am not entirely good at household chores either. Since my mom is a stay at home mom, she is the one that does all those chores for me. However, when you know that you are going to be living on your own and that it is expected of you to do your own chores I do not see why they cannot learn them their selves before they go off to universities. Since these kind of lessons are apparently needed, I do think it is a good initiative from the schools to learn these life skills to the pupils.

Link: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education/article7148403.ece

Northern Ireland bans hare coursing

The last part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, to permit hare coursing has now banned the blood sport. A motion to outlaw the use of greyhounds to chase and kill hares was passed by a narrow majority – 23 to 18 – after a seven-hour debate at Stormont. The ban has been incorporated into the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Northern Ireland) bill. It is expected to come into force after the summer. Hare coursing, in which dogs compete with one another to hunt down a wild hare that has been released into an enclosure, had been curbed in Northern Ireland by recent conservation orders aimed at protecting the endangered Irish hare.

I am really glad to hear that they banned this. Before I read this article I had never even hear of ‘hare coursing’, but I cannot understand why anyone would find pleasure in watching that. I am honestly wondering why it is just now banned, these kind of ‘sports’ do nothing other than letting people see animals suffer and why any would want to see that is beyond me; these so called sports should all get banned and fast. I applaud Northern Ireland to finally ban this, a good decision on their part.

Link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/jun/23/northern-ireland-bans-hare-coursing

IVF babies aborted as mothers lose in love

There is a growing number of young women who have chosen to abort foetuses for “social” reasons after fertility treatment. Figures obtained under freedom of information rules show that an average of 80 abortions are carried out each year after IVF, which can cost about £5,000. Up to half of these involve women aged 18-34. Ann Widdecombe, the former Tory minister, said women who terminated pregnancies for non-medical reasons were treating their babies like “designer goods”. She said: “If the law was being applied properly, people wouldn’t be able to get an abortion just because they changed their minds.”

This was really shocking to read, I cannot understand the women who go through all that trouble to get pregnant only then to decide that they are not ready and decide to have an abortion. I agree with Ann Widdecombe that the law should stop these woman from having an abortion. On its own, I am by no means necessary against abortion, but when a woman decided to go through with an IVF treatment, on the cost of the government, and get pregnant I think they should not be allowed to get an abortion. Let those babies be born and adopted by a family that does want the child.

Link: http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/article7144878.ece

End to free swimming for children and over-60s prompts poolside dismay

The government has made the decision to axe free swimming for under-16s and over-60s. The government says cancelling the programme will save £40m. The initiative will formally close on 31 July, though local authorities can carry on the scheme if they want to fund it themselves. Though the government insists the programme "was not providing best value for money", figures from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport show that for the 16 and under category, there were almost 50% more new swimmers since Labour introduced the programme just over a year ago.

I am torn about this situation, because it is a good thing that the programme helped with getting more children interested in swimming, but the government has to cut back on some things. Almost every country is in debt right now and need to cut back on certain areas. If they do not cut back on this, then on what else? The police perhaps, education ect. It does not really matter what they will cut back on, because there will always be people who will get is worse because of the cut backs. Also, the entry fee is only £1.90.

Link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/jun/18/end-free-swimming-children-over-60s

Apology casts new doubt over Eddie Gilfoyle’s conviction for wife murder

The Attorney-General, has apologised after Parliament was given wrong information about a prisoner who has spent 18 years, of his life sentence, denying that he murdered his pregnant wife and faked her suicide. In a new revelation, the Government has now disclosed that police withheld, even from prosecution lawyers at the trial, an internal report into blunders made by officers at the scene. New doubts about the way in which the case has been handled have been raised after it was discovered that Merseyside CPS had given unreliable information to the Solicitor-General about when it first received the report.

While I read this article I increasingly started to believe that Eddie Gilfoyle is in fact not guilty of the murder of his wife. Too many things were covered up, that I come to the conclusion that the police officers solving that case just wanted to get rid of it quickly. I think that it is so sad that there are still people suffering behind bars for a crime they did not commit. It is not always easy to be sure, but in this case I really miss the evidence that should have proven Gilfoyle is indeed guilty. Hopefully the truth will come out soon.

Link: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article7148433.ece

How the Glee factor is bringing British children back to school choirs

School groups throughout the UK are feeling the Glee effect. As traditional singing transform themselves into show choirs, encouraging young people to start singing for the first time. Glee is a comedy-musical show that follows the story of a group of teenagers in a US high school show choir, or glee club. Renaming school choirs Glee Club has also helped with the always lasting problem that choir leaders have to face: how to attract more boys. For the moment, there is little of the competition that is an integral part of the scene in the US but that may be about to change. Choir of the Year are launching a National Glee competition in 2012.

I think it is great that the series ‘Glee’ has such a positive influence on the pupils in the UK. To be honest, I am a fan of Glee myself and I can understand why pupils are now not that ashamed any more of singing in front of other people. Glee has made this phenomena cool. If joining a glee club makes kids learn how to be part of a team and is very therapeutic for some of them, then I am all for them joining glee club. I cannot really find anything negative about this, so kids it is okay to want to join a glee club nowadays.

Link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/2010/jun/18/glee-factor-school-choir-revival

Householders to be given new rights to defend themselves against intruders

Householders who confront burglars are to be given greater rights to defend their families and homes. The justice secretary, Kenneth Clarke, is looking at increasing legal protection for people who use force to fight off intruders. Clarke will also examine the idea of increased legal protection for have-a-go heroes and passersby willing to apprehend criminals. However, the plan has brought warnings from senior police officers, who believe a change in the law could promote vigilantism and could also be exploited to provide excuses for those involved in assault cases. The central issue on any proposed change to the law is likely to focus on the use of proportionate force.

I agree with Kenneth Clarke that people should get better legal protection when they use force to fight off intruders. What else are you supposed to do, ask the intruders kindly to leave your house or should we just stand by and tell the intruders what else they are allowed to take with them on their way out. I understand the concern of the police officers, but I guess it is up to them to decide what really went down, they are after all paid to investigate these sort of things. I agree with Kenneth Clarke, let them make this change in the law.

Link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/law/2010/jun/06/householders-rights-laws-intruders-burglars

Influence of Lib Dems in hung parliament depends on staying ahead of Labour

Monday, 26 April 2010

Glegg now faces 10 days that are likely to define his political career. The Liberal Democrats might win more votes than Labour for the first time since 1918. Lib Dem support has slipped in the wake of the more evenly contested second leaders’ debate. Despite that slippage, the Lib Dems are still ahead of labour. So the Lib Dems still have a good chance of coming second in the popular vote, cracking open the mould of the post-war, two-party system. If Lib Dem were to slip behind Labour, Cameron would claim to be the moral victor - from whom Glegg might only be able to secure relatively few crumbs.

I think it would be a good thing for the country if another party will finally win. Were I to live in the United Kingdom I would probably vote for the Liberal Democrats, because I agree with a lot of their stands. Especially their stand to support diplomatic efforts to ensure Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons, but that they do not want to use military action to do that, is in my eyes a very good point. Hopefully the Lib Dems will not slip any further the next ten days, so that Nick Glegg and his party may still have a say about a few things.

Link: http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/john-curtice-influence-of-lib-dems-in-hung-parliament-depends-on-staying-ahead-of-labour-1954281.html

Daughter's painting of dead mother wins BP Portrait prize

A haunting painting of a dead 100-year-old woman, painted over three days as a devotional study by her artist daughter, won the UK's leading prize for portraiture Tuesday 22 June. Daphne Todd, age 63, was named winner of the BP Portrait prize for Last Portrait of Mother. Todd had painted her mother Annie a number of times over the years and said that it felt right to do so when she died. The undertaker allowed her to spend three days in the funeral parlour cool room painting her mother's body. Todd expects that some people may be shocked or upset by the painting.

The painting may be a bit morbid, but I can still see the beauty of it. If by painting her mother even though she is dead, Todd feels closer to her mother than I do not see the problem with it. We all grieve in our own way. I think that it is a tribute to Todd’s mother, that her daughter was still able to paint her so beautifully even though she is dead. I can see how some may be shocked or upset by it, but a lot of paintings that hang in museums can b seen as morbid as well.

Link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2010/jun/22/last-portrait-of-mother-portrait

Five cleared over Leonardo painting plot

The theft of the painting, The Madonna of the Yarnwinder, a masterpiece by Leonardo Da Vinci was one the biggest heists in Britain’s history. The painting’s owner, the Duke of Buccleuch, was devastated after the theft and offered a reward of £2 million for the painting’s safe return. The painting strangely reappeared in a lawyer’s office four years later; a month after the Duke died. The thieves were never caught. However, three lawyers and two private investigators were accused of plotting to extort £4.25 million from the Duke to guarantee a safe return. After an eight-week trial it took the jury eight hours to clear them.

I am interested in crime and thefts which is why I chose this article. From what I have read so far about this subject, I actually believe that the five men who were accused and are now cleared are indeed guilty. This is one of the reasons that I do not think that jurors should be used in crime solving, but instead leave it up to the people who know how everything works/goes. Some of these five accused men say did they only tried to do the right thing, but do think that they should get the £2 million reward, which I think is ridiculous.

Link: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article7103902.ece

Britain’s first televised campaign debate

Nick Glegg, the Liberal Democrat leader, came out as the winner of Britain’s first televised campaign debate between party leaders. While Gordan Brown, the Prime Minister, and David Cameron, the conservative leader were busy focusing on each other Nick Glegg gave a relaxed and personable performance. Just in a few minutes Nick Glegg was voted the winner of the night with 61 per cent, David Cameron got 17 per cent of the votes and 17 per cent voted for Gordan Brown. The three party leaders mostly called each other by their first names, but as the debate grew more heated full names did creep in.


This article helped me understand a little bit more about Britain’s politics, since I have never really paid attention to it before I had to read the article. From what I have read and listened to I do think that Nick Glegg was the right winner of this debate. I find it pretty weird that they have never had live debate between the three of them before, so I think it is a good thing that they finally made it happen. I think that Nick Glegg has a good chance at winning and if he does then I think that a lot of things will change.

Link: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article7099159.ece