Proportion of home-owning Britons falls to 30-year low

Summary: 

Proportion of home-owning Britons falls to 30-year low 

 

The proportion of people who own their own homes has slumped to its lowest level since the mid-80s, with getting a foot on the property ladder now an increasingly difficult proposition for households across Britain. High house prices, the limited availability of mortgages and declining wage growth have all conspired to make it tougher for first-time buyers to own a home of their own. The ONS report said: "The rapid increase in the number of households privately renting could be linked to the decline in the number of households getting on the housing ladder, usually through a mortgage.

Words: 98

Personal opinion:

As I am trying to get a house of my own, I understand the frustration that all these Britons must be going through. It really isn't any easier to get a house in the Netherlands. The ridiculous prices make it almost impossible to buy a house for a first time buyer like myself, and due to those prices being so high the amount of people looking to pay rent instead rises tremendously which in turn also causes the rent prices to go up. It's a vicious cycle. This costs the taxpayer too as the housing benefit bill continues to rise because hundreds of thousands of more working people need help paying their rent.

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Source: Liam O'Brien (19 April 2013). The Independent. Proportion of homeowning Britons falls to 30 year low.  Retrieved from http://www.independent.co.uk/property/proportion-of-homeowning-britons-falls-to-30year-low-8580708.html

 

UK sends support for Chinese earthquake victims

Summary:

UK sends support for Chinese earthquake victims

 British aid workers are sending life-saving supplies to those affected by the earthquake that has hit south west China, killing more than 150 people. The 6.6-magnitude tremor left villages close to the epicentre in ruins. The earthquake struck the steep hills of Lushan county at 08:02 local time (00:02 GMT), triggering landslides and leaving thousands of homes destroyed. More than 90,000 people were killed when a 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck the region in May 2008. World Vision said it then helped an estimated 2.2 million people rebuild their lives. Let's hope they can help enough people this time as well.


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Personal opinion:

The UK has always been a very dependable nation when providing support around the globe. And by support I mean things like aiding the war effort, providing healthcare and numerous other activities. It's always great to see that even in times of financial crisis all over the world, we still help those that need support the most. The magnitude of these earthquakes is life-shattering and we should always do all we can to aid those that get hit by these terrible catastrophes. There's absolutely nothing you can do to prepare yourself for these kind of disasters, so the best thing you can do is pray for help and hope others come to your aid when you need it.


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Source: BBC News. (2013, April 20)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22234745

Arrested West Yorkshire Police officer found dead

Summary:


Arrested West Yorkshire Police officer found dead

 
A police officer who had been arrested has been found dead in woods, his force said today.

West Yorkshire Police said the officer, 33, reported to be a father of two, was found in woodland in Lofthouse on Thursday lunchtime. He had been arrested the day before "in relation to alleged criminal offences". They said there were no suspicious circumstances and an inquest would open soon. The force did not name the dead officer, or specify the allegation he faced.The matter has been forwarded to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, to figure out exactly what went down and to find out if there are any signs of foul play or suicide.


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Personal opinion:


I actually heard about this case before and I sincerely hope they figure out what exactly caused this man's early demise. In many of these cases the guilt eats away at a man (or woman) and it becomes so unbearable that the only way to make the voices in their head stop talking is to die. Suicide is often a quick and easy answer for many of these accused peole. While he was accused, I believe in 'innocent until proven guilty', especially when it comes to police officers. Men and women who have taken an oath to serve and protect. 


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Source: Tom Wilkinson (20 April 2013). The Independent. Arrested West Yorkshire Police officer found dead. Retrieved from: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/arrested-west-yorkshire-police-officer-found-dead-8581196.html

London taxi firm Addison Lee sold for £300m

Summary: 

London taxi firm sold for £300m

A taxi firm which started in London in the 1970s with one car has been sold for £300m to a private equity firm. Addison Lee, which started in 1975 in south London and now has 4,500 cars, has been bought by the Carlyle Group. Founder John Griffin will remain chairman of the company and his son Liam will be chief executive. Mr Griffin entered the trade after he gave up his accountancy apprenticeship to help his father. In a statement, Carlyle said: "The focus for Carlyle's investment in Addison Lee will be to drive business expansion both in the UK and internationally."


Words: 102


Personal opinion:

It's always nice to see a company/business that has had such a humble beginning do well in the end. I never realized that most of the taxi's driving around in the UK were Addison Lee taxi's. I suppose they will be throwing a nice retirement party and enjoying the rest of their days spending their well earned money. I'm glad they are staying on as chairman and chief executive though. Too often companies get sold off and never hear from their former owners again which ultimately results in a failed enterprise because the former owners knew so much that their knowledge would have been vital.

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Source: BBC News. (2013, April 20)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-22230868

Minimum Wage Scandals

Summary:


Minimum Wage Scandals


Companies are routinely resorting to cynical dodges to avoid paying staff the national minimum wage, forcing the Government finally to act against abuses of the system.The Low Pay Commission, which recommends minimum wage levels, estimates that more than 100,000 adults receive below the legal rates – and the actual figure is probably considerably higher because of under-reporting of the problem.The minimum wage was introduced by the Blair government in 1999 at an initial hourly rate of £3.60 in the face of warnings from the Conservatives and business chiefs that it would lead to job losses. After he became Tory leader, David Cameron acknowledged the policy had been a success.


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Personal opinion:

It is sad in this day and age we are still scamming our employees and trying to save money where we really shouldn't be saving money. I understand that we're all in a financial crisis and we need to make do with what we have, but please, for the love of God don't abuse your employees to make ends meet. That's the last thing that you want to do and definitely the last thing your employees should ever find out if you are doing that. They will just flock to another company that does give them what they deserve. Treat your employees right please.


Words: 104


Source: Nigel Morris, Oscar Quine (19 April 2013). The Independent. Scandal of firms that dodge paying the minimum wage. Retrieved from http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/scandal-of-firms-that-dodge-paying-the-minimum-wage-8580941.html

Visiting Museums on your phone

Summary:

Visiting museums through apps


Did you ever wonder about certain historical events, and would like to visit museums but just can't find the time? The British Museum is launching applications on Apple and Android devices which are designed to give users a virtual tour of the exhibition, with all kinds of multimedia add-ons. It's part of a trend which sees cultural organisations using digital technology to reach new audiences.
Tim Plyming, head of digital at the British Museum, says the app fits fits into an overall strategy "to increase access and deliver content to a very wide audience both nationally and internationally".



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Personal opinion:


This is what I love about current technology, and the future capabilities. If you would have told me 20 years ago that I'd be able to visit museums on my phone I'd have laughed at the sheer ridiculousness of it. It just goes to show what technological advancements we've made in just a few years. I always look forward to what is in store for us next. I guess nothing beats actually visiting a location physically, but this is an incredible option that is available for the people that don't have the time or money to actually go. 


Words: 98

Source: Rory Cellan-Jones BBC News. (2013, April 20)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22203498

Marathon runners warned not to use painkillers

Summary:

London Marathon runners warned not to use painkillers


As a precaution for the upcoming London Marathon this Sunday, experts have warned the marathon runners about using painkillers just before or during the marathon. Using painkillers before running a marathon could cause serious side effects, experts have warned. Researchers found that runners who used painkillers had a 13 per cent increased risk of "adverse events" including pain, muscle cramps and intestinal cramps. The authors said painkillers block enzymes called cyclooxygenases, which regulate the production of prostaglandins - hormone-like substances which play a role in the the contraction and relaxation of muscle tissue.


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Personal opinion:


I'm going to be watching the live stream coverage of the London marathon myself and I am incredibly glad doctors and other medical experts have brought this to the attention of the marathon runners. The last thing you need in a marathon is runners dropping like flies due to something as simple as taking a painkiller. I've run a marathon myself (NY), but was never warned about this. Luckily I didn't take any painkillers then, but I can imagine that at least some people did. These kind or warnings should be mandatory before any kind of major sports event or it should be as available as a general medical guideline somewhere.

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Source: Ella Pickover (19 April 2013). The Independent. Marathon runners warned not to use painkillers after study shows increase in cramps and other side effects. Retrieved from http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/athletics/marathon-runners-warned-not-to-use-painkillers-after-study-shows-increase-in-cramps-and-other-side-effects-8581161.html

Swansea measles epidemic: Man who died had measles

Summary:


The Swansea Measles Epidemic

The man who died in Swansea on Thursday, died from measles says Public Health Wales.

The 25-year-old, named locally as Gareth Williams, was found dead at a flat on Thursday. There have been 808 cases of measles confirmed so far in the Swansea epidemic, and MMR jabs are being offered in schools throughout Wales. A Welsh government spokesman added that it was aware of a possible death from measles and extended "deepest sympathies to the family and friends at this difficult time". Dr Brendan Mason, a consultant epidemiologist with PHW, said he doesn't understand why a lot of people refuse to take the vaccination and are not taking this seriously.



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Personal opinion:

I am probably just as astonished by the Welsh community and their ignorance as Dr Brendan Mason is. It's not like you have to go through a lot of effort to get a vaccination. They are even handing them out at schools. I just hope there won't be any more casualties due to people being to ignorant about this epidemic. It is a serious threat and people should definitely be more careful and just get the vaccination, so they don't end up like Gareth Williams. Get your vaccinations people. It's free and it keeps you alive!

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Source: BBC News. (2013, April 20)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-22215185

Tesco faces £1bn hit for American adventure

Summary: 


Tesco's misbegotten adventure

TESCO is facing a £1bn write-down as it retreats from its ill-fated foray into America. The company is expected to close down all their off-shore stores simply because the amount of profit they make isn't big enough. Tesco's was called "Fresh & Easy"  in America, but it wasn't as big of a hit as they expected it to be. Investors welcome this decision, as they have steadily been losing money since the start of this venture into foreign territory. This venture was the idea of Sir Terry Leahy, former chief executive of TESCO.


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Personal opinion:
Ignore is bliss, as many would say. They were made aware very early on by business entrepreneurs  that this venture was a foolish mistake and would cost way more money than it would be worth. Alas, they decided to go with it anyway and look where it got them. I feel they had it coming. America doesn't need ANOTHER supermarket when they already have Kmart, SuperTarget, Trader's Joe's, Walmart and many more. Why would you ever want to mess in a market that already has already been dominated by such big names. Just stick to the UK. I understand you want to branch out, but next time, listen to people that actually understand what they are talking about.



Words: 118



Source: Oliver Shah (14 April 2013). The Sunday Times. Tesco faces 1 billion pound hit for American adventure. Retrieved from http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/business/Retail_and_leisure/article1245140.ece

Mike Denness, former England Cricket captain, dies of cancer

Summary:

Former Cricket Captain Mike Denness, dead at 72

A stylish batsman who played county cricket for Kent and Essex, Denness captained England in 19 of his 28 Tests and scored 25,886 first-class runs. Denness was born in Scotland, and was the only non-England born to ever captain England in cricket. He will mostly be remembered for the role he played as the Kent captain by winning the John Player League three times, the Benson and Hedges Cup twice and the Gillette Cup once. After his career as captain he worked in finance, insurance and public relations before serving as an ICC match referee, and ultimately returned to the committee rooms of Kent, serving as the club's chairman before he was president for 2012.

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Personal opinion:

It's always sad when a big name in a particular sport passes on. We may not know much about cricket in the Netherlands, but that does not diminish anything this man has done. I for one have a huge amount of respect for this man, not only because he captained the team for several major victories, but also remained on as staff once his time as captain was up. It's those kind of people that we need in the world of sports. Again, even though we might not have known him, it's good to remember him, and other big names for the part they played in the development for their sport.

Words: 111


Source: BBC News. (2013, April 20)

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/22222995

Nick Clegg rejects the idea of 'Thatcherites'

Summary:

Nick Clegg rejects David Cameron's idea about 'Thatcherites'


The 'Thatcherite' claim was made yesterday by David Cameron, which sparked a lot of agitation among British citizens, and Nick Clegg is not on the same page with David Cameron either. "I am not a Thatcherite, I am not a Conservative so I did not agree with quite a lot of what she did. But that is not to deny that she had a huge impact on the country - friend and foe have recognised that over the last several days." But Mr Clegg did defend spending public money on the former prime minister's funeral, so does he really mean this?

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Personal opinion:

While I do understand Nick Clegg's position, and what he has to say to stay in that position, this does feel a tad two-faced. I've always thought of him as a lying and opportunistic career politician, but this just takes the cake. He just has to save face by telling the public what they want to hear, but he does not support these things by his actions, as mentioned in the article. Perhaps he is a Thatcherite at heart, but is trying to gain some populistic advantage by siding with the people who opposed Thatcher. We just have to see if he backs up these claims with actual actions.

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Source: James Legge (13 April 2013) The Independent Nick Clegg rejects David Cameron's claim that 'we're all Thatcherites now' Retrieved from: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/nick-clegg-rejects-david-camerons-claim-that-were-all-thatcherites-now-8578380.html

The Last Night of the Proms

Summary:

First ever female director for Night of the Proms

BBC Proms has appointed the first female conductor for the night of the proms. The festival, which begins on the 12th of July, includes a massive array of concerts at the Royal Albert Hall and 4 others across the UK, but this will be the first time that it will feature a female conductor, Marin Alsop. "I'm extraordinarily proud to be the first woman, but I'm also sad that it's 2013 and there still can be firsts for women," she said.
The BBC proms runs from the 12th of July until the 7th of September. A full list of details can be found on the BBC website.

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Personal opinion:

As Marin Alsop already stated, I also feel sad that we still live in an age where there are still things that have 'female firsts'. While I do feel this is an incredible development for feminism worldwide, the fact that it has taken us this long to finally appoint a female conductor for an event as big as the last night of the proms, astonishes me. I'm all for female empowerment, but I feel it's important that occassions like this should become a natural occurance, and not forced just because 'we haven't had a female do this before, so we might as well get it over with'.

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Source: BBC News. (2013, April 20)

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-22188201

Rising problem of online fraud

Summary:


Holiday Scams


Thousands of British citizens are victims of online fraud that costs millions of pounds every year, which include flights, hotels and other holiday arrangements.
The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) has identified 1,000 separate holiday scams in the UK last year that cost consumers more than £1.5m. One-in-three of the travel fraud victims identified by the NFIB was cheated when paying for accommodation. Scams saw an incredible rise last year during the London Olympics.The standard fraud was to advertise rooms at well below market rates. Enquirers were told that they must pay immediately, direct into a bank account rather than by credit or debit card.

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Personal opinion:

I feel this is one of those things that gets overlooked by most people, but can you imagine spending so much of your salary that you probably spent months saving up,only to come to the conclusion that you've been scammed? The money and holiday just disappears into thin air. I suppose insurance can cover some of it, but it doesn't fix the underlying problem: how will we ever know for sure that we aren't being scammed? I think the only action to take is to find out where the scamming holiday agencies are located (or at least the people who run them) and take them down. But where do we start?


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Source: Simon Calder (18 April 2013) The Independent Holiday scams leave British travellers £1.5m out of pocket. Retrieved from: http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/holiday-scams-leave-british-travellers-15m-out-of-pocket-8579177.html

Sir Chris Hoy retires from cycling

Summary:

Sir Chris Hoy retires

The world of cycling loses another great name today. Hoy, who won two gold medals in London and also claimed 11 world titles, has announced his retirement from the world of cycling. After he put in all his effort and energy at the last Olympic games, he feels it's enough. "Now it's time for younger riders to experience what it is like to compete in front of a home crowd. I will be there to open it and soak up the experience." Hoy is an ambassador for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and is also part of the bid to bring the 2018 Youth Olympics to the city.

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Personal opinion:

I enjoyed last year's Olympics, which is in no small part to this man. His performances are unmatched by most. His determination and dedication to his sport is something that a lot of men and women can strive for. Especially with the latest scandals in the world of cycling this is a breath of fresh air. I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors and hope he enjoys his life outside of his passion, although I imagine he's looking forward to spending some more time with his family instead of his bike.


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Source: BBC News. (2013, April 20)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cycling/22198392