Humberside Police send rape awareness message

Police in North Lincolnshire has started a campaign to prevent the number of sexual offences. They give messages to people about drinking this summer and what consequences it can have for them. The police wants to educate men and women about the dangers of drinking too much alcohol.

The main target of this campaign are women because they are the most affected of the consequences. They will hang posters at pubs, hairdressers etc.

The campaign leader said that they want to remind men and women the importance of knowing what consent means and also the importance of being safe.

The campaign will run until September.

Original article:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-13829389

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My opinion:

I think that the police does good by starting a campaign like this! Thanks to this campaign they can prevent sexual offences, at least from rising.

People will know what the dangers are of drinking too much alcohol and that is something good. When someone drinks too much alcohol, he or she does not know what he or she is doing. They behave as they normally would not do.

Girls drink too much, have intercourse with some guy and regret it when they are sober. Some of them provoke the guys to have intercourse, then they do not want it anymore. The guy still wants and eventually rapes the girl. I think it is her own fault when that happens. But still the guy has no right to rape her.

West Belfast homes attacked by gang

On Sunday houses in west Belfast were attacked by a gang. The gang consists of about eight men and women.

They used everything, such as bats, bricks and bottles, to break windows and they have damaged doors.

There were three adults and a child in one of the houses which was attacked by the gang. Apparently a mother and child had to escape so they went on a rooftop.

A neighbor was also attacked because they had mistaken his identity. They thought the neighbor was someone else they know which was not the case.

Whoever has information about this attack should contact the police.

Original article:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-13829038

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My opinion:

I do not think it is acceptable that people just attack other people, or someones property and destroy it. We are not some predators so we must not act like them. We live in a soceity with rules and laws. We must respect those laws and other people. If you have a problem with someone, you should talk with that person. If that is not possible there could be a lawsuit, depending on what your problem is.

I do not know what the problem of this gang was, but it is clear that they do not think about the innocent people. People like them should be arrested and stay a long time in jail.That is what they deserve.

Things like this happen a lot in the UK (and a lot of other countries) and I think something most be done to end this!

Christians are more militant than Muslims, says Government's equalities boss

Muslims are integrating into British society better than many Christians, according to the head of the Government's equality watchdog.

Trevor Phillips said a couple of things about religion in a debate. One of them was that it became fashion to attack and mock religion.

Trevor Philips said in an interview with the Sunday Telegraph that the Commission wants to protect Christians and Muslims from discrimination.

According to what he said, Muslims are less vociferous because they are trying to integrate into British liberal democracy. He says that Muslim communities in the UK are trying to come to terms with their neighbors, they try to integrate and they're doing their best trying to develop an idea of Islam that is compatible with living in a modern liberal democracy. And yet the most likely victim of actual religious discrimination in British society is a Muslim. However, the person who is most likely to feel slighted because of their religion is an evangelical Christian.

Original article:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8584030/Christians-are-more-militant-than-Muslims-says-Governments-equalities-boss.html

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My opinion:

I, as a Muslim, understand that Muslims try more to integrate than the Christians. Christians are accepted in society anyway. So it's not a big problem for them to 'survive'. The Muslims are still the outsiders, perhaps even a threat in the eyes of some.

I agree with Trevor Philips when he says that discrimination has become something fashionable. When I look around, I see a lot of people being discriminated because of their religions, especially Muslims.

Where I live, Muslims and Christians do not have an issue with each other. For example: my neighbors are Christians, people on our opposite are Christians and we do like each other and respect each other.

It is possible that you don't like someone because he or she is not a good person, but people should not discriminate each other because they are Muslim of Christian.

Fury over church gay wed plan

Three political parties in the UK have made plans to allow same-sex couples to get marries in church as well. Same-sex couples who live in the UK can marry in civil ceremonies. Political parties: Labour, Liberal Democrats and Green Party, have made plans to allow same-sex couples to get married in church as well. Not everyone is happy with these plans.

According to what Andrea Williams says, people against same-sex marriage assault the fundamentals of a modern society.

Luckily for same-sex couples, there are some churches who accept their marriage.

Original article:

http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/news/3520725/Fury-over-church-gay-wed-plan.html

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My opinion:
My religion does not allow a man to marry a man and a woman to marry a woman. Marriage must be between a man and a woman. But I think everyone should have the choice to decide whom they want to marry.

One thing I do not agree with is that the marriage of the two people is performed by someone who is forced to marry same-sex couples. The government, political parties and gay people must respect those who don't want to marry them because of their religion. If the religion does not allow him to marry same-sex couples, he must not be forced to do it.

Gun alert at Leicester general hospital is false alarm

 Police search for man reported with suspected firearm in hospital called off after nearly three hours with 'no further sightings'

There was a report of a men who was seen with a suspected firearm at Leicester general hospital. Officers were called to search the hospital after the man was spotted.

The hospital did not close but, but movements of staff and patients were restricted while police was searching for the man. But just after 12.30pm police confirmed the alert was over.

A spokeswoman said that officers and hospital staff are in the final stages of checking the premises following a report passed to police that a man was seen with what they believed to be a possible firearm.

Police believe that the call was with good intent, they just have to check it out.

Original article:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/jun/17/leicester-general-hospital-suspected-gun

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My opinion:

I understand that someone calls the police when he or she thinks there is someone with a gun walking around. People are afraid something bad will happen, someone could die. So I do not blame people who call police for things like this.

The police should take every call serious, but I understand if they don't. There are so many calls with no result. There are also people who try to fool the police.

Everyone should open their eyes for suspicious people around them. It is possible that they could prevent something bad from happening.

Scottish police look into man's Dignitas death

Helen Cowie tells radio show she helped her son Robert take his own life in Switzerland

Police are considering the circumstances surrounding the death of a man whose mother took him to the Swiss euthanasia clinic Dignitas to help him take his own life.

Helen Cowie told a radio chat show how she helped her son Robert, age 33, kill himself after he was left paralysed from the neck down.

A police spokeswoman said that there was no investigation at present, but said the matter was being given consideration in an effort to establish the circumstances.

Cowie said her son used to be a big fit healthy boy who went training four times a week. He was paralysed in a swimming accident three years ago.

Helen said that his life was terrible. He suffered every single day. He couldn't do anything for himself but sit there. She described the euthanasia experience as wonderful, relaxed, peaceful and happy.

She said one of her sons said that it was the happiest he had seen his brother in three years. He said it upsets him that it was not possible in the UK. Now he had to wait for the ashes to come back from Switzerland.

As a mum, Helen first didn't want her son to do it. But she saw her son suffering. He was tormented in the body that he was in. Then she decided to go to Switzerland with him where they were going to end his life.

Original article:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/jun/18/scottish-police-mans-dignitas-death

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My opinion:

In the Islam euthanasia is not allowed. I personally don't know what to think about this. I don't like the idea of ending my own life, or that one of someone I love. I think it is some kind of murder.

On the other hand, I can understand why people choose for euthanasia. When you cannot live your life as you did before, it must be very hard. Especially when you are paralysed. I don't know what I would do, but I would end up in a bad condition. I would be very pessimistic I guess.

I understand Helen too. She knows that she will lose her son, but she also knows that her son is very unhappy. He is not able to live a normal life. Being a mother is that you live to make your children happy. In this case Robert wasn't happy because he is paralysed. I understand that she respected his choice and supported him and I can imagine how hard it must be to end someones life while you want him/her to live.

Sister 'knew Milly Dowler was abducted'

Gemma, Milly Dowler's sister, knew that het sister was abducted. When Milley did not came home after school, she knew something was wrong. She Gemma thought something bad had happened and/or that she was kidnapped. She absolutely does not think that her sister has ran away from home or gone off with someone without telling Gemma of her parents, because they were really close and had no secrets for each other. She also would not go with a stranger because she was not someone like that unless the stranger had convinced her with serious reasons to come with her.

Gemma was with her father in the court. her mother did not came because she was collapsed in tears.

Suspect Levi Bellfield denies kidnapping and murdering Milly in March 2002. According to the prosecution Bellfield was living yards away and murdered Milly in his flat and dumped the body.

Milly's friends, Jacqueline Pignolly and Danielle Sykes, were the last ones who saw her before she was disappeared. They also think that she had not ran away because she had no reason to do that. Milly was happy at home and very fond of her parents.

Original article:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/sister-knew-milly-dowler-was-abducted-2285749.html

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My opinion:

There are so many people who disappear and from who we do not know the reason of disappearence. The missing persons are mainly girls. Usually you can guess what the reason of disappearence is. Someone who is very happy at home will not just ran away from home. Then you will think that she is kidnapped. If someone is absolutely not happy at home, it is logical to think that he or she voluntarily left the house.

There are a lot of girls who fall in love with some guy who is rejected by the girl's parents. When that happens the girl leaves the house for that guy and the parents are left with grief and do not know where their daughter is. I do not approve such decisions. Those girls should try to convince their parents to accept the guy. If he is really not a good guy, it is up to the parents to make their daughter realize this.

In this case the girl did not ran away from home but got kidnapped and murdered by someone. This happened nine years ago. I cannot know how they must feel but it is for sure that they are not happy. I do not understand why people do such things as kidnap and murder someone. What do they achieve with that or what do they think that they achieve? I really do not have an idea, I just think that they are sick people who deserve the death penalty after being tortured.

Teenager arrested after birds beheaded

'Sickening' attack at Manchester horticultural centre causes £10,000 worth of damage.

The horticultural centre at Wythenshawe park was damaged. Police said a frog was speared to death during the attack. Fish also died when fertiliser was tipped into a pond.

Vandals caused around £10,000 worth of damage when they smashed 130 windows. A teenager has been arrested in connection with a "sickening" attack in a park in which 18 birds were beheaded.

City officials said that the vandalism is a sickening act of cruelty. A police spokesman said that a 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of theft and burglary.

The boy was also arrested in connection with the theft of chickens from an address in Didsbury last month. He remains in police custody for questioning.

Original article:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/jun/02/teenager-arrested-after-birds-beheaded

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My opinion:

I think that the boy and his parents should be ashamed of themselves. This incident shows us that the parents were not good at raising their child. If they had done well, their son would not be so violent. He would not torture and kill animals. He would not damage the horticultural centre. What he did is a part of vandalism.

He is under age so they cannot give him the maximum punishment. He should be a part of community service, go to a psychologist and his parents should pay fine. And I hope the boy does not have a little brother or sister because he is absolutely not the right example for him/her and he won't be if he continues to be like this.

Watford bank bomb siege: armed police arrest man

Police swoop on Co-operative bank where man 'with bomb strapped to his body' reportedly threatened staff

Armed police in Watford have arrested a man who was carrying a bomb and had threatened staff during three hours at a bank..

Military and armed police surrounded the bank. A police spokeswoman said that an explosive has been removed from the man. The police does not know what kind of explosive device it is.

A cordon was put in place around the branch of the bank. People nearby were urged to stay inside and co-operate with police for their own safety.

The man was forced to his knees outside the bank as he was arrested by armed police.

Sources said the incident was not thought related to terrorism.

Original article:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/jun/02/watford-bank-surrounded-armed-police

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My opinion:

It must be terrible. You wake up, go to the bank where you work and perform your daily tasks. You help customers and are as nice as you can. You don't expect it anyway, but out of nowhere someone comes in and starts threatening everybody that he will blow himself up. He will die, the entire building could possibly collapse, depending on the power of the explosive, people will get hurt badly, people will die, including you. What a horrible thought!

Sources said the incident was not related to terrorism. Well, what else can it be? How can someone possess explosives if he or she has nothing to do with terrorism? How can someone be capable to do something like this?

This can cause trauma for the people who were in that bank. People can be afraid to go outside. They can be afraid for another threatening like this.

Man in Litherland shot in legs and shoulder

A 21-year-old man has been injured in a shooting on Merseyside.

The victim was found lying in Longfield Road, Litherland, shortly before midnight.

He was taken to hospital. He had wounds to his legs and shoulder. The injuries are not life-threatening.

Police said it was not clear where he had been shot and officers had cordoned off Longfield Road, Hornby Boulevard and Violet Road for forensic work.

The attackers ran away, probably towards the Railway bridge and Akenside Street.

Original article:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-13660061

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Miy opinion:

The first thing I want to say is that it is terrible that such things happen. Not just for the person who is the actual victim, but also for other people who are victims by accident. Many people are in danger because of actions like this.

The second thing is that I don't understand what a 21-year-old man could possibly have done to deserve to die.

And last but not least I think guilty people should not be able to escape. Some people kill, escape and no one can find them for months or years. I don't understand how that is possible when everybody is aware of the person they should catch. It's like a looooong episode of the game Hide and Seek.

Police try to trace man after Appleby lay-by rape

An 18-year-old girl has been raped in the bushes in a lay-by at the Appleby Horse Fair, Cumbria Police said.

According to officers the girl was with a friend and a group of men. They had met each other at the fair waiting for a taxi, when she was attacked by one of the men.

Police said that there had been 30 arrests at the event. The officers are mainly concentrated on finding the young man who has attacked the 18-year-old girl.

Inspector Jason Hudson said that there has been launched an investigation after they received reports that a local woman was raped in Appleby last night.

The annual fair attracts thousands of visitors to the Cumbrian market town. It is one of Europe's largest gatherings of Gypsies and travelers.

Original article:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-13660183

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My opinion:

The title of this article caught my attention. Girls and women who are raped. It is not something new. Unfortunately this happens far too often daily.

Little girls and boys, teenagers, young women and even old men and women are raped. This is too bad for words. People who are doing things like this are sick, mentally disturbed.

In this case it is an 18-year-old girl. We could never know what she and her family feels. It must be horrible to experience something like this and I hope no one will experience such things. If this was happened to me I am sure that I would be crazy. I might even try to commit suicide.

Nato strikes hit Gaddafi compound

A press official from Gaddafi's government said, after a Nato airstrike has flattened a building inside the compound of Muammar Gaddafi's Bab al-Aziziyah in Tripoli, that there was an attempt on the Libyan leader's life.

Firemen tried to extinguish flames in a part of the building which was wrecked. A few hours after the explosion, journalists were brought to the scene. The trip was organised by the government. The building was used by Gaddafi for ministerial and other meetings. She also said that 45 people were injured, 15 of them were seriously hurt. Some people were unaccounted for after the attack.


Original article:
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/4/20110425/twl-nato-strikes-hit-gaddafi-compound-41f21e0.html
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My opinion:
To be honest, I am really tired of hearing and seeing all the negative news on television, radio and people I know. I do not understand why people cannot just deal with each other peacefully instead of choosing for attacks with bombs etcetera.

I do not follow the news, because of all the negative items, and I really don’t know what the whole situation is with Gaddafi, but I think that it’s all nonsense!

The only thing in this article which I think it’s unforgivable is that so many people are injured, including people with serious injuries! There could be more people who could get hurt, or even die.

I think that they should sit and talk with each other about their problems and stop behaving with such terror.

Cruise ship service for woman dropped into sea

73 year old Janet Richardson was ill on the Ocean Countess and when the paramedics tried to transfer her to the lifeboat, she fell in the near-freezing water. She was rescued and flown to a Carlisle hospital and died there on Thursday. On Sunday there was a service, confirmed by UK operator Cruise and Maritime Voyages, on the boat which was held for Mrs Richardson. She was in the sea for several minutes before someone could rescue her.

Eyewitnesses saw both boats moving when the paramedics were moving Mrs Richardson from the ship to the lifeboat. That’s when she fell into the sea.

Chris Coates, who is the marketing director of Cruise and Maritime Voyages, said that they all were shocked when they heard that Mrs Richardson died. He also said that their thoughts and prayers are with her family.

There will be an investigation by detectives from Salten Police District.

Original article

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-13181972                

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My opinion:

I was shocked when I read this article. I think that there should be paid more attention in cases like this. Everyone should try to make sure that the injured person will be moved as painless as possible.

In this case the person fell in the water and died. We will never know if Mrs Richardson had survived if this accident was never happened, but we know that there was a chance of course.

It is always possible that accidents happen but in cases like this it must not happen. Everyone should pay attention so such things will not happen all the time. After all it’s about life, not a game.

The plus-one wedding invitation dilemma

Some royal wedding guests are reportedly not being allowed to bring their partners, ruffling a few feathers. But why is the plus-one issue always so tricky?

“Plus one” causes almighty headache for the bride and groom but also for the guests those who were invited to the royal wedding. Apparently hundreds did not receive a plus one from Prince William and Kate Middleton. They had to leave their partners at home.

For any bride and groom, whether they are from a royal title or not, the dilemmas involved seem endless. A lot of question marks are on their minds and at the end, they have to make a decision.

This “Plus one” form of inviting can cause discussions between friends and even end a friendship. Weddings used to be smaller and more personal in the past but now it seems to be that guests naturally bring their partner with them.

Some people do not choose for the plus one form because they are financial a bit tight. But others are very clear that it is not their problem what the personal situation of the bride and groom is. And if the guests are still choosing to bring their partner, that may cause difficulties for the bride and groom.

Original article:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-13047570

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My opinion:

When I am going to marry I will think of my guests. For us, it is typical that we have very big weddings with a lot of people. We do not give one invitation per person, but one invitation for a family.

I understand people who use the plus one form of inviting if they are financial tight or do not know the partner at all. But I think that you should accept partners from friends/families if they have a long-term relationship or are simply married.

Some people do not invite the partner of do invite the partner but not the children. That can be ridiculous too. It could be possible that your guests cannot arrange a babysitter. Then they will have to bring the baby/child/children or simply stay at home and not come to your wedding.

I think you should think very good before you make a guest list. Think about your financial situation regarding  the place where you want to party, catering, invitations, wedding dress etc. And what your budget is. Then make a guest list by starting with your family, friends, colleagues etc. I would invite partners and children of my family and friends. But if I invite colleagues I would invite their partner if my financial situation allows me.

Think very good and make sure you will enjoy your wedding!

Towel thieves targeted in hi-tech clampdown

Hotels are deploying new technology to combat one of the menaces of the hospitality industry - the towel thief.

People are stealing towels, bathrobes and other linen. Now, there is the anti-theft system which will soon arrive in Britain. It uses radio-frequency tags which are stitched into towels, bathrobes etc. and it can trigger an alarm if it gets removed from its place.

The US company, which is the owner of this anti-theft system, said that one hotel in Hawaii introduced this system and saved more than £9,000 a month. William Serbin, the executive vice-president of Florida-based Linen Technology Tracking, says no  matter which month of the year it is, people always take things with them and hotels lose 5 to 20 percent of towels, sheets and robes.

The US company uses chips similar to security tags in shops which can track linen wherever those are and also detect stolen items as people are taking them away from the hotel/hotel area. 

Original article:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/8455769/Towel-thieves-targeted-in-hi-tech-clampdown.html

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My opinion:

When I saw this article, I really had to laugh because I cannot believe that people are stealing towels and other things from places where they stay. I think people who are doing such things are very weird and pathetic. It is not normal to do things like this. It is not yours so leave those things on their places.

The anti-theft system is something I find very good. Without the example about the hotel in Hawaii, I would still have believed that this system would have positive effect on the situation.

I think they should use this system to all items with great value that is possible to be stolen so the items could be traced easily.

I hope this system will arrive in Britain, and other countries,  very soon so the stolen linen will come to an end.

Private schools line up to become free

Private schools in the UK are getting in line to become free schools. There are a lot of free schools  wanting to expand and want as many people as possible to benefit from their system of education. They also want more pupils.

State schools are afraid that they will suffer  financially if  the government is going to spend money on making private schools free. There are already state schools which have financial problems, so it is possible that they do not understand why the government is spending money on schools which do not have a financial problem.

Parents want more choice in education for their children and the government insists the demand for free schools. The shadow education secretary, Andy Burnham, says that it is important to look at every point when you test a school and not just for the results of the school. He thinks that you have to look at what happens to the schools around it.

Original article:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2011/apr/12/private-schools-conversion

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My opinion:

I had some question marks in my head after I have read this article. I agree with the point that it is important to give parents and their children the opportunity to choose regarding education. But I do not understand why they are giving this option by funding private schools.  

This article does not give any information about why parents should choose private schools for their children. I have not read any arguments about it. 

I think the government should support schools indeed. But in my opinion, they should  first start with schools which really need help. If schools do not have their basic needs, they cannot make new plans. But if they do have their basic needs, they can make new plans. I think the government is responsible for education of his own country, the UK in this case.