UKOK! - Nicole Marie Louise Blok: 2011

vrijdag 8 juli 2011

Opinion on Lindsay Hawker murder trial

By Nicole Blok

It is a horrible case as I read what happened. How could anyone do such a thing, taking the life of an innocent woman. Her father was right when he said he wanted the heaviest punishment for her killer. I can only imagine what he would feel. The Japanese killer should be killed himself because of the way he ended the victims life. If he would not be sentenced to death, he should at least suffer as much as she did right before her death. I hope he will be sentenced for life.

Lindsay Hawker murder trial

From: The Mirror

Dad wants killer to be given 'heaviest punishment'

The father of a British teacher strangled and raped in Japan has appealed for her killer to be given the stiffest sentence possible.

Lindsay Hawker, 22, was found dead at Tatsuya Ichihashi's apartment in Ichikawa City, east of Tokyo, in March 2007.

Miss Hawker's father Bill today asked for Ichihashi to receive the "heaviest punishment" available under Japanese law when he gave evidence to the trial in Chiba District Court.

The suspect was caught after it was disclosed he underwent cosmetic surgery to change his appearance at a clinic in Osaka.

A verdict in the case is expected by July 21.

Opinion on Trichet tightens

By Nicole Blok

I am not a fan of Europe, especially when it comes to the euro. More and more countries experience financial problems because of that. The effects that this has on the economy are terrifying. I would not want to pay for the mistakes of other countries. I do not want to pay because Greece does not want to work until they’re sixty five. The government should stand firmly and prevent this from happening to save the economy. The other people should not have to pay for it. The countries should be able to do it themselves.

Trichet tightens

From: The Economist

The European Central Bank likes to prepare the ground for its interest-rate moves.

The rise was the ECB's second this year. The first move had been in April—after being signalled in March—when the bank raised the main rate from 1%, the low it reached during the great recession, in May 2009 (see chart). The rate increase put the ECB still further ahead of the game among the central banks of the largest advanced economies. Mr Trichet signalled that further rate rises are likely, by saying that the current monetary-policy stance remained “accommodative”.

Opinion on Antique Story

By Nicole Blok

I have to admit that I have a thing for antique. This story makes people greedy, because it makes them think that it is easy to earn a lot of money without having to do anything for it. I would not have sold the glasses because they looked amazing, on the other hand..nearly two thousand pounds would be nice to receive. It is good commerce for bargain hunting. As you can see, old things are worth more than some new things. At least that is my opinion.

Antique Story

From: The Daily Mail

Most bargain-hunters dream of stumbling upon a precious treasure when they rummage around a car boot fair.

And for one gimlet-eyed woman that dream came true, when she bought three wine glasses for 40p each at a car boot sale and sold them at auction for nearly £19,000.

Dealers and collectors clamoured for the find and after a furious bidding session at Stride and Son auction house saw them go under the hammer for £16,000 pounds.

The winning bidder, who deals in glass, paid a total of £18,880 after all the extra fees were added on.

The vessels were made by revered glassworker William Bielby, who was known to have produced enamelled glass.

Opinion on callcentre back to UK

By Nicole Blok

Callcentres really make me angry, always phoning me if I would like to buy something. The good thing is that the company Santander provides a lot of new jobs for the British people, the downside is that they will continue annoying people. There were many problems in India with the company, maybe they will do a better job in the UK. I have my doubts about is, but it will be good for the economy.

Santander brings call centres back to UK

From: BBC News

Santander says it has brought its call centres back to the UK from India following complaints

Chief executive Ana Botin told the BBC customers had said it was "the most important factor in terms of the satisfaction with the bank".

BBC personal finance correspondent Simon Gompertz said Spanish bank Santander had one of the worst complaints records in the industry last year.

Commenting on the call centre move, Ms Botin said: "This is what our customers have told us is the most important factor in terms of the satisfaction with the bank, and we have listened to them and decided to bring all of our retail call centres back from India."

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14073889

Opinion on sythetic organ

By Nicole Blok

Some people find it hard to believe what today’s medical techniques can offer patients. A few of them do not agree with this evolution because of their religion, believes. My aunts all had cancer, so it runs in the family. If I could have a synthetic organ that could same my live I would do it right away. The doctors already used animal parts to transplant into humans, and I am okay with that. If there is a cure for cancer or a new way of transplantation then it should be celebrated.

Cancer patient receives first synthetic organ transplant

From: the Guardian

A man was given synthetic trachea created by growing his own stem cells on artificial 'scaffold'.

Surgeons have performed the first transplant operation using an organ wholly grown in a laboratory to give a man a new windpipe. Prof Seifalian said: "What makes this procedure different is it's the first time that a wholly tissue-engineered synthetic windpipe has been made and successfully transplanted, making it an important milestone for regenerative medicine. We expect there to be many more exciting applications for the novel polymers we have developed."

Opinion on British Gas raises prices by 18pc

By Nicole Blok

As a student I realize how expensive it is to pay for a household. This message in the newspaper sounded a bit concerning because life is expensive enough. It is unbelievable that the international market can have so much influence in your daily life. It is disturbing that nobody solves this, makes laws about prices for example. Not everyone can afford it and this will have major influences on the number of people in financial trouble. The government should do something about it to make sure that her people can stay in their homes and pay their bills.

British Gas raises prices by 18pc

From: The Telegraph

British Gas customers will pay an extra £200 a year after the energy giant became the latest to raise its energy prices.

Phil Bentley, managing director British Gas, said its bills were being driven higher by the fact that the company buys 50pc of its gas on the international wholesale market.

"The impact on family budgets will be huge, but it will be particularly hard on those living on fixed incomes and I would urge both suppliers and the Government to start thinking now of how they can provide some support. It may seem a long way ahead, but winter will be coming too quickly for those who cannot afford their fuel bills."

Opinion on Twins born two days apart

By Nicole

In the newspapers there is always a lot of attention for foreign news while there is enough news in your own country. This is an amazing story, having a triplet under these hard conditions. It really is a miracle that the hospital was able to save all three children. You can say what you want about The Sun, but the tabloid often has attention for news from their own country. People are made aware that there is enough going on around them.

Twins born 2 days apart

From: The Sun

The pair beat million-to-one odds to survive, along with mum Donna Grove, 27, after a string of terrifying birth complications.

Donna gave birth to 2lb 6oz Seth while 28 weeks' pregnant at Frimley Park hospital in Camberley, Surrey.

But Preston - who was in his own womb sac - arrived more than 50 hours later after Donna had been whisked to London for treatment.

She said last night: "I feel blessed. We are all really really lucky to be here."

The following day she gave birth to 2lb 12oz Preston.

Consultant obstetrician Dr Kim Morgan, of Frimley Park Hospital, said: "Thanks to modern medicine and excellent care, Donna can fully appreciate her gorgeous babies."

Opinion on 'Kate Monroe'

By Nicole Blok

The Mirror is not a tabloid I would read personally. It is a bit like the Dutch ‘Privé’. It is filled with scandals and useless information about someone’s private lives. We all wear dresses that are not that easy to wear, especially is the summer when many women wear dresses. The Mirror should not be able to write freely about what happens around Kate and William. The just got married and I think they should have the right to enjoy each other and not have to worry whether or not someone sees her dress going up.

Kate Middleton's bottom almost becomes as famous as sister Pippa's

From : The Mirror

The Duchess of Cambridge's 'Marilyn Monroe' moment came as she and Prince William touched down at Calgary airport, as their nine-day tour to the country reached its closing stages.

Walking across to meet well-wishers, Kate, wearing a yellow floaty Jenny Packham dress, struggled to save her modesty as she repeatedly was forced to hold down her dress as the wind blew.

After battling with the breeze, Kate brought smiles of joy to the face of a little girl with cancer by granting her wish to meet a "princess".

The Duchess hugged the little girl who then presented her with a bouquet of flowers.

Opinion on paying for long-term care

By Nicole Blok

There are less babies than elderly people. This means that less people have to pay for the elderly in a few years. My grandfather was in a Home and I was shocked of how he was treated. We visisted him every day, so we could mostly take care of him. Not everyone has that kind of family and end up alone. Because of lack of money the Homes will not be able to give the care that they would want to. There is a lot said about abuse, but the real abuse is the government not taking care of these people's future. Make sure that there are Homes available and nurses to care for these grandfathers and grandmothers.

Paying for long-term care

From: The Econimist

Living to a ripe old age should be cause for celebration.

The question of how to finance the long-term care of the elderly, and disabled adults of working age, has long vexed politicians. Last year the coalition government asked Andrew Dilnot, an economist at Oxford University, to come up with a plan. In contrast to other reforms that are designed to transfer the costs of state services to those who incur them, such as students, Mr Dilnot’s report, released on July 4th, suggests the exchequer should pay more.

It would also be costly for the state. Demand for elderly care has increased by 9% over the past four years, and it is set to rise further as life expectancy climbs (while the proportion of the population of working age shrinks).

Opinion on Any Coulson arrested

By Nicole Blok

The whole scandal about phone tapping really makes me angry. Journalists will do almost everything for a good story. The editor should have more control over his journalists. If he had done that, there would not have been a problem at all. My guess is that Coulson knew what risks his journalists were taking and therefor he can be held completely responsible for this scandal. Hopefully this will be a warning for other journalists that you cannot do everything for a good story. I do not believe that no one discovered it until now, the police should have been more aware of the case.

Andy Coulson and ex-royal reporter Clive Goodman arrested

From: The Independant

Former News of the World editor Andy Coulson and one of his former top reporters were being questioned about alleged corruption today after a dramatic double arrest by Scotland Yard.

The moves by Scotland Yard pile further pressure on the Prime Minister, who gave Mr Coulson a job at No 10 despite his association with the scandal.

It is the latest bombshell in a catastrophic week for News International chiefs, who announced they were shutting the Sunday tabloid because it had betrayed its readers' trust. Mr Coulson responded by resigning as News of the World editor, saying he "deeply regretted" what happened and took "ultimate responsibility" for it.

Opinion on murderer soap actor

By Nicole Blok

Many people know I am not a fan of soap operas, but that does not mean that the frustrated actor could kill anyone he wanted to. The suspect Brian Regan pleaded not guilty, but isn’t every murderer? What drove him to do such a thing. Why would someone shoot a doorman, I think that no one has the right to take somebody else’s life. We van not say that he is guilty, because the suspect in innocent until proven otherwise. The trial starts 4^th of October, so we will hopefully find out the truth.

Brookside's Brian Regan denies Liverpool murder

From BBC News

Former Brookside actor Brian Regan has denied murdering a doorman outside a Liverpool pub.

The 53-year-old, who played Terry Sullivan in the soap, appeared via video-link at Liverpool Crown Court to deny murdering Bahman Faraji.

Co-accused Edward Heffey, 40, of Beloe Street, Dingle, Liverpool, Lee Dodson, 42, of Logfield Drive, Garston, and Simon Smart, 32, of Kylemore Way, Liverpool, all pleaded not guilty to murder and were remanded into custody.

A date for a trial to take place at Liverpool Crown Court was set for 4 October

dinsdag 5 juli 2011

Opinion on 'British soldier executed'

By Nicole Blok

A twenty year old Rifleman was killed by terrorists. In a war such as this one, one can expect manty casualties. It is however sad to hear that a man younger than me got executed. People can say that soldiers know the risks, that it is a part of their job. My opinion is that this whole war is useless and therefor the casualties are useless. It is horrible that Europe feels the need to interfere with a country from which European countries do not understand the culture and by that cannot provide the solution to a war that is not their own.

British soldier executed

From The Sun on the 5th of july.

By VIRGINIA WHEELER, Defence Editor
and DAVID WILLETTS, Defence Correspondent

Edited by Nicole Blok

Rifleman Scott McLaren, 20, was ambushed and then executed with a shot to the back of the head after finishing sentry duty and wandering off his Afghan checkpoint at 2am on Monday morning.

His disappearance in an area riddled with deadly IEDs and full of Taliban sparked the biggest manhunt by UK troops for a British soldier of the entire conflict.

Scott's body was found less than 12 hours after he vanished.

An insider said: "It's our worst nightmare - one of our soldiers was captured by the Taliban and executed. It appears as if our worst fears are confirmed, and he is now the first British serviceman to be kidnapped and killed in Afghanistan in this ten-year war.

Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/campaigns/our_boys/3679254/Brit-soldier-executed-by-the-Taliban-named.html#ixzz1RGXrcFN4

maandag 18 april 2011

Oops!

Article opinion:

Secrets put on internet in Whitehall blunders

There you have it. The government thought that their gathered information was well protected. You might think that there was a lesson learnt in the Wikileaks affair. Guess not, because the Telegraph found that sensitive information from the government is available on the internet. It is not even that difficult to get to the document, and that is the issue. Newspapers downloaded and published the documents. Was it their right to do it? The Freedom of Information law makes it possible for the newspapers to publish the info. The government would rather keep the documents secured. What is to happen next remains a bit vague, to me, and I would like to know what the boundaries are towards freedom of information.

Col

Secrets put on internet in Whitehall blunders

By David Millward and Thomas Harding 10:00PM BST 17 Apr 2011

The Daily Telegraph discloses that sensitive information from at least three separate government departments is available on the internet. The documents were posted online, but the government failed to “redact” the classified information. It now can be read by anyone with access to a computer. The government admitted the technical error and has now replaced the original articles with secure versions of the documents. After further investigation by some officials discovered that many of the online documents posted by the government are not well secured. Under the FOI law (freedom of information) the newspapers were able to take a look at the documents. A spokesman of the Department of Communities and Local Government said: "There are robust procedures in place to protect personal details in FOI answers. Any replies that do not conform will be investigated." The story will continue.

Article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/8457506/Secrets-put-on-internet-in-Whitehall-blunders.html

Col

zondag 17 april 2011

Foggy Britain

Article Opinion:

Britain now stands on the top of a European list that shows numbers of cocaine abuse

It is universally acknowledged that the Netherlands are known for their knowledge in drugs. How strange it is that our neighbors do not know how dangerous cocaine is. Even the government had to investigate the drug in order to understand that cocaine is harmful. Perhaps it is just me, but how is it possible that people know so little about the second most popular drug in Britain. The investigation will take a year. It will take one whole year to figure out what we in the Netherlands have already known for ages…using drugs is dangerous, it is addictive. Does it really take an investigation to get that in people’s heads?

Col

maandag 11 april 2011

Britain now stands on the top of a European list that shows numbers of cocaine abuse

By Alan Travis, Sunday 10 April 2011

According to governments advisers most harm is caused by the “increasingly common idea” that cocaine is a relatively safe drug. Cocaine is the second most popular drug in Britain, with almost 800.000 users within the last year. The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) wanted to launch such a list last year, but was delayed by the home secretary, Theresa May. Her advice to leave out some others kinds of drugs. The chairman of the ACMD stated that the review focuses on the danger of using cocaine and not just classification of the illegal drug. The review is expected to take a year.

Article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/apr/10/cocaine-review-government-drug-advisers

Welcome everyone!

Hai!

Welcome to my first Blog. This is my blogspot for UKOK! Have fun reading.
A little intro..My name is like many, many women Nicole. That's why some people call me Col.
SO, if you want to comment my blogs and avoid confusion..C.o.l.

X Col