Posted by rparris on November 10, 2009
Dolphins after slaughter - photo courtesy of wendmag.com
By Rahsian Parris
With the new movie The Cove due to hit UK screens this month, the riveting depiction of the horrors surrounding Japanese Whale and Dolphin slaughtering has come at an ideal time. The beginning of hunting season.
Under the light of the warm summer sun herds of small children and adults alike pour into dolphinariums, theme parks and marine mammal parks to get a small glimpse of these spectacular creatures in action. The applause crescendos into a roar of happy cheers, a sea of smiling faces, as one of the most intelligent animals on the planet performs an array of playful tasks. Swimming backwards? Check! Balancing a ball on its nose? Check! The benevolent mammals seemingly have no qualms about jumping through hoops for their superiors, but when the sun starts to set, the doors begin to shut and the chill of the night air sets in, the only reminder of the joys of the day are the empty candy floss sticks stuck to the concrete floors.
Fast-forward a few months and in the small fishing town of Taiji, Japan, Dolphin hunting season has begun. Select fisherman of the 3,500 populated town, are poised in position, watching with stealth and trained eyes for a pod of dolphins. When the group are identified they are debilitated by fisherman who bang metal rods together in the water, disorientating the mammals and effecting their ultra sensitive sonars. The crippled animals are quickly driven into a cove blocked off by other boats and nets, trapped, they are left overnight to calm down. The next day the Dolphins are individually captured and then killed one by one. A sharp metal pin is driven into the neck of the Dolphin. It dies almost instantaneously. This method of killing is said to be less brutal than the previous method which has been made illegal in Japan, where after the Dolphin is separated from the other captives, its throat is slit and the Dolphin is left to violently convulse before its imminent death.
The hunt starts at the beginning of September, with the first day bringing in at least 100 Bottlenose Dolphins and maybe some Pilot Whales, but Japan’s annual quota is approximately 20,000 Dolphins. Aquariums can pay up to £90,000 for one of these Dolphins, but most of them are killed, their meat being sold for about £330 per carcass. Tickets for a show at a dolphinarium can cost as little as £20.
It has been argued that Whale and Dolphin hunting is part of the Japanese tradition, that the meat gathered during the hunts becomes part of the local dishes, which are part of the culture, which is paramount to the identity of the nation, however, after capture, the slaughtering takes place very much under wraps, behind (several) closed doors (barriers), as far away from prying eyes as it is from patriots. Although there are several organizations that continuously strive to put a stop to the slaughtering of Dolphins and Whales in Japan, and on a smaller scale, in other places, drive hunting, as it is known, continues to be a serious, global, animal welfare issue.
One activist in particular has been making a stand for over three decades. Ex-Dolphin trainer, Ric O’Barry is a dedicated campaigner against the atrocities of drive hunting, saying “I’ve been working with dolphins for most of my life. I watched them give birth. I’ve nursed them back to health. When I see what happens in this cove in Taiji, I want to do something about it.” In his new film The Cove he seeks to uncover the truth surrounding the multi-billion dollar Dolphin entertainment industry that he himself use to endorse (O’Barry captured and trained all 5 Dolphins that were used in the television series “Flipper”). The movie seeks to expose, educate and inspire people into action, showing the reality of the blood thirsty industries that hide behind sugar coated notions and sun kissed dreams.
Over a montage of breath taking clips of Dolphins swimming out at sea, coupled with grim, savage scenes filmed on hidden cameras by O’Barry’s team of activists, we hear the voice-over “If I destroy anything in nature, I’m taking it away from myself and the human race has to wake up to that, because we’re losing it all and we’re losing it at a horrifying rate.” and suddenly you are taken back to those fond, sun drenched, childhood memories where the summers are extra long and the future is a certainty, yet the in the back of your mind an image lingers and in this image there are no hoops, no beach balls, no tomorrow.
The Cove is in cinemas from the 23rd of October
Posted in Economy and Business, Features, Life and Society, Travel and Communities | Tagged: Aquariums, Circus, death, Dolphinariums, Dolphins, Flipper, Japan, Slaughtering, The Cove, Whales | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Jennifer Russell on November 9, 2009
By Jennifer Russell
Picture Courtesy of Google Images
The Scottish National Party are set to table a bill for an Independence Referendum on St. Andrews day 2010. The bill must first pass through the Scottish Parliament before the Scottish people can vote in the referendum. It faces being rejected because of lack of Parliamentary support.
As the SNP are a minority government, they need more support to pass the Bill. The Liberal Democrats, Conservatives and Labour all oppose the Bill. However, the Green Party and Independent Margo MacDonald are in favour.
The referendum bill if passed will allow the Scottish public to not only vote yes or no for independence but it will also give a third question that gives the option of extending the powers of the Parliament but not independence. However, a “yes” vote in the referendum would only mark the start of talks with the UK government, there would still be a long way to go.
First Minister, Alex Salmond said “The Scottish Government will bring forward a Referendum Bill next year – exactly as we set out in our manifesto – and we are minded to include a ‘more powers’ option in the Bill, alongside the option of independence and equality for Scotland.”
An Independent Scotland, for some, seems to be the way forward. There is ”consensus for change” needed.
Minister Michael Russell stated his views on an Independent Scotland, ”I firmly believe that Scotland will not fulfil its potential until the powers of the Parliament are complete and Scotland is independent. Independence would provide the opportunity to make decisions for ourselves – it would bring new rights as well as new responsibilities.”
The SNP believe that as they were elected in 2007, with Independence as there main manifesto pledge, then it must be a popular issue.
“We all have strong and passionately held views on Scotland’s future – let us all be prepared to take our case to the people, in whose name we are elected and in whose interests we act.” First Minister, Alex Salmond.
Posted in All Politics | Tagged: scottish government | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Jennifer Russell on November 9, 2009
Picture Courtest of www.hamiltonadvertiser.co.uk
By Jennifer Russell
The International Children’s games 2011 will be hosted in Lanarkshire after a joint bid from North and South Lanarkshire Council was successful. This will bring the worlds biggest youth sporting event to Scotland for the first time. Up to 1,500 competitors aged between 12-15 from more than 70 countries will descend on Lanarkshire in August 2011.
In June this year it was hosted in Athens and Scotland is proud to be hosting the next event.
Both North and South Lanarkshire council believe the 2011 games represent a unique opportunity to encourage young people to take part in sport. The hope is that many children taking part in the Children’s Games in 2011 will go on to represent Scotland in the Commonwealth games in 2014.
The first International Children’s Games took place in Celgic, Slovenia in 1968 and more than 40 years later they are still going, growing from strength to strength with each new vision from the each new host.
In a statement to the Lanarkshire Children’s Games Committee, Alex Salmond, First Minister, stated, “We are looking forward enormously… to starting a process of great sporting events in Scotland over the next few years, with the Children’s Games in 2011, culminating in the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and the Ryder Cup of 2014. So from all of Scotland, we wish North and South Lanarkshire well … and we look forward enormously to the Children’s Games of 2011.”
The range of facilities in Lanarkshire are extensive. From new sport facilities being built on the Ravenscraig site which will hold Judo and Badminton events, to the Esporta Health and Racquets club home to the seven indoor tennis courts and 3 outdoor courts, Lanarkshire has a lot to offer.
With the Ryder Cup and the Commonwealth Games in 2014, Scotland’s Sporting calendar is full. We have great events to look forward to that will really put Scotland on the sporting map.
Posted in Life and Society, Sports, Travel and Communities | Tagged: Scottish Sporting Events, Sports | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Brionny on November 9, 2009
BY BRIONNY LEIPER
Preparations for Grangemouth High School’s annual Christmas concert are already underway.
Each year pupils volunteer for the show and under the guidance of the school’s music department, create a show full of song and dance, with contributions from both the junior and senior choirs. The concert always culminates in a carol singing finale which sees a group of willing teachers (or unwilling as the case may be!) rounded up and given Santa hats as they join their pupils on stage.
Image courtesy of Stewartmilne
Former Grangemouth High pupil Jacqueline Aitken said: “The shows were always well put together and the kids always put a lot of effort into their performances. I never took part but it always looked like fun!”
Dates have yet to be confirmed but tickets will be available through the school office on 10324 660210.
Posted in News in Brief | Tagged: Christmas, Grangemouth | Leave a Comment »
Posted by bgraham15 on November 9, 2009
By Ben Graham
20 years ago, East and West Germany were united in jubilant celebration as the Berlin wall was demolished. Thousands that had not seen their family and friends since the wall was first erected in August of 1961, were allowed their first glimpse of life on the other side of the wall.
This week marked the 20th anniversary of the momentous occasion, with firework displays and parties throughout the city to celebrate. There is even a 1500 piece domino toppling set to mark the chain of events that led to the collapse of the communist instated iron curtain. The irony is clear in the use of dominoes; once used to represent the way one country after another would topple the world into communism, now seen as a metaphor for the means by which each communist country seemed to follow suit and abandon its basic societal structure.
It was on this day 20 years ago that the press conference in which travel restrictions for those in East Germany were lifted by the SED government, leading to the destruction of the wall and the signaling of the end of communism in Germany.
However, this day is not to be seen as the day capitalism triumphed over communism, or the day the West broke down barriers set up by Eastern European communists. instead this day should be remembered for its biggest impact upon modern society, namely the re-uniting of families and communities that should not have been separated nearly half a century ago.
For many, the fall of the Wall represented the fall of the threat of communism, the end of The Cold War and the beginning of better understanding between countries. Yet the years following East and West Berlin’s reunion has seen a number of conflicts and tensions arise, suggesting perhaps that even without the threat of communism the West simply can’t feel safe.
One thing for certain is that those celebrating in Berlin tonight have the best reason to be jubilant. While many in the West celebrate this day as a landmark in the fight against communism, the citizens of Berlin are simply celebrating the bringing together of a country that has been ravaged by both war and occupation, and the hope of moving on to a better, undivided future.
Posted in All Politics, Life and Society, News in Brief, Travel and Communities, Uncategorized | Tagged: 20 Anniversary, Berlin Wall, Capitalism, Communism | Leave a Comment »
Posted by phynch on November 9, 2009
by Christian McBride
picture courtesy of fctt.co.uk
Over two decades on from when Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise took to the screen together in what would become a classic, Neil Morrissey and Oliver Chris will now bring their own version of the hit film Rain Man to Edinburgh’s King’s Theater. The 1988 film scooped academy awards for best picture, best actor in a leading role (Hoffman) and best writing among others, big shoes to fill indeed for Morrissey and Chris.
The two are certainly not new faces, the pair both having made British television fame in Men Behaving Badly and The Green Wing respectively. But these are comedic shows. These men are comedy actors. And though there is a comedy element to Rain Man there is a very real, very touching, dramatic side to the story.
Mary McBride, a community nurse dealing with those with learning disabilities, has said that, “Hoffman did a good job of capturing a lot of the characteristics of autism like communication difficulties but I think it gave the public the wrong impression at the time, that autistic people all have some extraordinary abilities. But it did well to bring autism to the public sphere”
Morrissey would do well to be aware of the risks playing an autistic man. His past may lend itself to the comedic side of autism and there are those that may see this as a mockery of the condition.
But, this is to prejudge him, Morrissey may be looking to expand and enrich his acting by taking on this serious role.
Rain Man, showing at King’s Theater, Edinburgh, Tue 10th – Sat 14th November, 7.30pm tickets from £15
Posted in Entertainment | Tagged: Kings Theater, Rain Man | Leave a Comment »
Posted by nyankuir on November 9, 2009
By Nyankuir de Mabior
Courtesy of Google Image
The Kenyan Commission for Human Rights (KCHR) have launched a compensation campaign on behalf of five survivors of the Mau Mau Struggle.
The campaign has the potential to cost the British Government millions of pounds and could possibly open the gates for more veterans seeking a similar settlement.
After constant delays caused by the sporadic outburst of the 2008 election violence as well as the subsequent political instability, the five elderly survivors are out of their native Kenya for the first time.
Sexual abuse, unlawful detention and castration are amongst the 40 documented cases of torture that the British government has been accused of.
The five elderly Kenyans claim that the compensation is only a small fraction of their coming to the UK and have requested an official apology from the Government.
Professor Daniel Ochieng from the University of Nairobi said that it is time for people to, “expose the realities of torture, slavery, landlessness, dehumanization and imprisonment.” Ochieng asserts that although the Mau Mau fighters do deserve to be compensated, the success of the lawsuit will bring to the forefront the battle between “Kenyan patriotism and selflessness”.
Kenya’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule started in 1952 and ended in 1960 when the country gained its independence. Sometimes known as the Mau Mau Rebellion, the conflict was characterized by the need for the Kenyan citizens to break free from colonial pressures.
The eight year dispute is one of the lesser known conflicts and yet upwards of 70, 000 people killed were killed in it. The law suit is a bleak reminder of a dark and buried history.
Posted in News in Brief | Tagged: Colonialism, Mau Mau, Torture | Leave a Comment »
Posted by aimeestanton on November 9, 2009
by Aimee Stanton
image courtesy of google images
Mary Portas is set to open Edinburgh’s first boutique charity shop in Stockbridge this November.
Following her latest television success on Mary Queen of Charity Shops, the Save the Children ambassador is returning to the Capital on the 21st November to open her new Living and Giving shop.
The shop in aid of Save the Children will be her first permanent shop in Britain, with the hope of more in the pipeline. As a result of Mary’s latest shop revamp, and with the help of Grazia magazine, she managed to take in a profit of 109,000 GBP in only three weeks. A profit like this is an unexpected one in the majority of British charity shops.
Save the Children ambassador, Mary Portas, explains, “This is a shop for everyone and we want it to be a place that will inspire Edinburgh to give. The designer bargains in our charity shop will be fantastic and the store has the potential to attract people from across the whole of Scotland”.
She adds, “We want to create a real buzz around second-hand shopping and make the old-fashioned charity shop a thing of the past. It may seem crazy to sell such quality goods at reasonable prices, but the money raised will be well spent and it costs as little as 5 GBP to save a child’s life”.
The shop is to include designer bargains and have clothes donated by celebrities such as Jamie Oliver, Peaches Geldolf and Grazia magazine, all in time for the busy Christmas period.
Save the Children’s Retail Manager for Scotland, Rob McMillan, is hoping the new Edinburgh store will be just as successful as the other shops Mary has enhanced, “Our Stockbridge shop is set to cause a revolution in charity shop shopping. It will be very much a local store, embracing all that is exceptional about Edinburgh and we hope it will be a real destination shop. It’s an extremely exciting and totally unique concept”.
Mary’s Living and Giving shop for Save the Children will open at 34 Raeburn Place, Stockbridge Edinburgh at 10am on the 21st November.
Posted in Life and Society | Leave a Comment »
Posted by euanandrew on November 9, 2009
by E.J. Andrew
courtesy of Light and Matter
The Government has today said that Britain must resort to power that is provided by nuclear energy in order to supply the populace in a clean and efficient manner. Energy Secretary Ed Milliband has said that the nation cannot “say no” to nuclear power, an statement made before he later will announce possible sites for the proposed nuclear plants, which he intends to fast track plans for in order to replace the country’s existing but aging nuclear infrastructure.
He went on to say that nuclear power is “a safe and low carbon option” for Britain and that “it should be considered as a low carbon alternative for power such as coal or gas”, though members of the Conservative Party have come forward to warn that under the current government, the public will not have a say one way or the other over the decision to replace the nuclear plants which are due to be decommissioned by 2023 at the latest.
There have been several sectors up in arms regarding this new announcement from the government due to the immense cost to the public but more importantly for the “lethal legacy of toxic waste” according to Simon Hughes Liberal Democrat Energy Spokesperson. Outcry is widespread, especially from environmental organisations such as Greenpeace and spokesperson Robin Oakley had this to say on the Greenpeace UK website “Proven green technologies such as wind and combined heat and power stations can secure Britain’s energy needs.”
Posted in All Politics, Science and Technology | Tagged: Nuclear Power | Leave a Comment »
Posted by jamiepatterson on November 9, 2009
By Jamie Patterson
courtesy of BT Internet
Expected plans to privatise a historic navy fleet have outraged union leaders today.
The Royal Fleet Auxiliary, a civilian fleet which has delivered ammunition, food and fuel to ships for over a century, is due to be considered for privatisation under a Ministry of Defence report due today.
Maritime Union RMT have criticised the plans, claiming that they were considered after MOD was put under pressure from the Treasury.
The Union also claims the sale would lead to widespread job losses and risk the security of naval vessels around the world.
Bob Crow, RMT General Secretary, said today:
“It is a national disgrace that top of the list for Government public spending cuts and privatisation is the Royal Fleet Auxiliary – the essential lifeline to Royal Navy vessels on active service all around the globe.
“RMT will mobilise to fight this plan which would amount to an act of short-term suicide that would rob the navy of over a hundred years of experience in the dash for public spending cuts and private profits.
RMT is seeking an urgent meeting with Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth to prevent this act of vandalism from reaching the pre-Budget report.”
Steve Todd, RMT National Maritime Secretary, added:
“Thousands of skilled merchant seafarers, serving the Royal Navy in war zones around the world and here at home, face the prospect of being slung on the scrap heap.
That is a disgraceful kick in the teeth to brave seafarers who have played a vital role in conflict after conflict with many paying the ultimate price with their lives.”
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: Armed Forces, economy, Politics | Leave a Comment »
Posted by robbo09 on November 9, 2009
By Matthew Robertson
David Banishes Goliath (picture courtesy of the daily mail)
David Haye defeated the Russian giant Nikolay Valuev in Nuremberg to become the WBA heavyweight world champion, and in doing so is the UK’s first since Lennox Lewis retired in 2003.
Haye, 29, won by majority decision, winning the fight on two judges’ scorecards, with the other judge scoring it even.
The Londoner, giving away seven stone to his 7ft opponent, fought the perfect fight, staying on the move and making the lumbering Valuev look every one of his 36 years with his speed.
In addition, Haye is also only the second former cruiserweight champion to win a portion of the heavyweight crown, after four-time champion Evander Holyfield
“It means everything to me,” said Haye. “From when I was a baby, I said I would be the heavyweight world champion.
“It’s a dream come true. I’ve fought the biggest heavyweight champion and caught him with big shots.
“I made him look like an amateur. People doubted my skills, but I did enough to win.
“Here I am, heavyweight champion of the world and I’m loving it. I’m going to clean up the division.”
Approximately 10,000 fans were in attendance at the Nuremberg Arena, including a sizable and vociferous British contingent, who traveled from far and wide to see David do what many thought was impossible and slay the giant Goliath.
Even more remarkable, Haye managed to do it with a suspected broken right hand, which trainer Adam Booth said gave way in the third round.
“His head is solid, the hardest thing I’ve ever hit,” said Haye. “It’s like hitting a solid brick wall.
“I’m pretty sure my hand is broken, but it’s a small price to pay for being the heavyweight champion of the world.
Haye, who was awarded the fight 116-112, 116-112, 114-114, is only the third Briton to win a world heavyweight title since Bob Fitzsimmons lost his crown to James J Jeffries in 1899.
Seemingly overnight, David Haye has become the toast of the UK and can be seen as an inspiration to youngsters up and down the nation whether or not they want to get involved in the sport.
His victory also injects some much-needed vim into a previously moribund heavyweight division.
With 23 wins (21 KOs) from 24 fights, Haye now says he intends to clean up the heavyweight division.
That would mean defeating WBC champion Vitali Klitschko and his brother IBF and WBO holder Wladimir Klitschko.
But his first defence of the WBA belt will likely come against American John Ruiz, who earlier on Saturday beat German Adnan Serin in the seventh round by a technical knockout.
Haye said he envisages few problems against the former WBA champion.
“I don’t think he is the most entertaining. He has won the world title before and you don’t do that by being a bad fighter,” he added. “I will be way too fast, I will knock him out.”
Posted in Entertainment, Sports | Tagged: boxing, david haye, Heavyweight champion, nuremberg | Leave a Comment »
Posted by benjaminzand on November 9, 2009
By Benjamin Zand
bzand_91@hotmail.com
Alex Wilson, 19, a first-year French and Spanish student at St. Andrew’s University, was heading to a bonfire night beach party with a friend when he fell 60ft into the sea from a cliff close to the St. Andrew’s University in Fife
The student is the 5th person to die in recent years due to falling from the cliff (Courtesy of the BBC)
Police said that the incident took place at 1.35am on Friday morning, and the student’s body washed up onto shore near St Andrew’s sea life centre at 3.00am.
Mr. Wilson, from Alberbury, Shropshire, was accomponied by his friend when he fell, but the police ensure there are no suspiscious circumstances.
A lifeboat and an RAF helicopter where deployed in the search for Mr. Wilson.
Alex was described as a ‘very popular’ and ‘bright’ student by the University’s vice-principal Stephen Magee, who also went on to say, “We send our sincere condolences to Alex’s parents, Chris and Jean, and his brother, Henry, at this enormously difficult time.”
Alex is understood to be the 5th person to die at the site. Following incidents in 2005 and 2006, when a 31 year-old man from South Africa and a 20 year-old from Montana, America also lost their lives at the same spot. These events have raised huge discussion and controversy about the safety measures put in place to prevent events like this happening. Due to this, a wall that hid the edge of the cliff was replaced with high railings, but people still don’t feel this is enough.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) for example said greater steps must be taken to raise awareness of the cliffs among students.
But Cllr Bill Sangster, who was involved in a safety review following the earlier incidents, said whilst speaking to the Telegraph, there was now clear signage in the area warning of the drop.
He added: “I can’t understand what happened. You can now see through the railings and see there is just a short slope before the cliff.”
Police have appealed for any information people may have, and stated they are specifically keen to speak to a young American man who is believed to have spoken to the Mr. Wilson just moments before his death.
Posted in Courts and Crime, Life and Society | Tagged: 60ft death, Alberbury, Alex Wilson, Benjamin Zand, ROSPA, Shropshire, St. Andrew's University, Stephen Magee, Student plunges to death | Leave a Comment »
Posted by nikkihunter on November 9, 2009
By Nikki Hunter
Courtesy of freefoto.com
Train services on the East Coast Mainline could no longer arrive in Glasgow and instead terminate at Edinburgh Waverley station according to new plans lais out by national express.
This change will not take place until the December 2010 timetable is discussed and produced. It is currently under discussion now.
At the present moment the service leaves from Kings Cross, travels up the east coast of England, up to Edinburgh then though to Glasgow, however this could stop being the case. Direct services from Glasgow to London Euston will continue, however this does not help some people. One traveller said: “If the new timetable changes go ahead, I hope alternative train routes from England to Glasgow will be sorted as this train is a part of peoples everyday working life.”
There will be a significant amount of people affected by this change and many will have to find alternative routes. A lot of travellers are just looking for reassurance at the moment. The East Coast Mainline is transferring to a Government controlled company ‘East Coast’ before midnight on the 13th of November.
If the new timetable changes are brought in this will not be linked to the nationalisation of the East Coast Mainline.
Posted in Life and Society, News in Brief | Tagged: Glasgow, London, Train, travel | Leave a Comment »
Posted by siancl on November 9, 2009
BY SIAN LOWER
image courtesy of sesamestreet
The longest running program in the history of children’s television - Sesame Street – turns 40 tomorrow, and due to its prestigious array of accomplishments – including 122 Emmy Awards, and multimedia outlets in 140 countries world-wide – the city of New York has declared November 10th ” Sesame Street Day”.
Carolyn – Lynn Parente, Executive Producer of Sesame Street, stated,” I feel extremely priveleged to produce the gold standard of children’s TV, serving up our well- known favourite characters and parodies, while striving to create innovative stories ad formats using the latest technologies. This is what keeps the show fresh, exciting and relevant to the needs of today’s children.”
Viewers recognise Sesame Street by it’s popular muppet characters such as ‘ Big Bird‘, ‘Cookie Monster‘ and ‘Elmo‘, but a lot of things have been going on in the background of the hit show for years that many viewers are not aware of.
The Sesame Workshop is a non-profit educational organization which addresses critical developmental needs for young children all over the world, and it is the backbone of the show. It produces content for various medias on a wide range of issues including literacy, health and military development. Initiatives of the organization are to help young children and families develop critical skills,acquire healthy habits and prepare children for life-long learning.
It has various outreach initiatives,including help for military families affected by deployment and advice for new parents.
courtesy of sesamestreet
It was recently awarded a grant from MetLife Foundation to promote ‘ Healthy Habits for Life ‘ in India (‘Galli Galli Sim Sim‘) and Mexico (‘Plaza Sesamo Habitos Saludables para la vida‘).
‘Healthy Habits for Life‘ is an aspect of the Sesame Workshop that encourages children and their parents to get involved in healthy eating and exercise. It focuses on games, healthy foods, oral hygeine and other activities to get people involved. It also has a branch called “A for Asthma – and Active!” to help the families of those with asthma.
‘Rural Literacy’ is another item the workshop focuses on, which includes everything from reading and writing to ‘ Talking Cents’ ( a program to help children understand basic finance ).
The Sesame Street on television is just a tiny fraction of the good this organization does all over the world – here’s to the next 40 years.
Posted in Entertainment, Life and Society | Tagged: Healthy Habits for life, MetLife Foundation, Sesame Street, Sesame Workshop | Leave a Comment »
Posted by phynch on November 9, 2009
by Christian McBride
photo courtesy of pbase.com
Christmas sorted as 25,000 Edinburgh citizens sign up to Freegle, the free recycle and reuse site. The site, predominantly ran by a group of volunteers formerly of the group The Freecycle Network, focuses on the reusing of items that need not be taking up space in landfills. The site uses a private email contact service so there’s little stigma, indeed many would tout the feel good sense of it. The ‘grass roots’ community, as it labels itself, expresses the desire to avoid waste, you might not want it, but someone may. Anything, it seems, is givable, from old washing machines to pets. However the site does not strictly control the ebb and flow of items, instead they are an umbrella group nationally covering several other groups based locally and users must find and join groups to begin trading. The site promotes local charities to join. The name is the conglomeration of ‘Free’ and ‘Legal’ which every transaction within their group must be.
With the recession tightening the nations belts actions such as these not only help avoid the pinch but can help the environment greatly. Dr Nicki Souter, campaign manager for Waste Aware Scotland said “Online sites are a great way to find an item you are looking for or find a new home for an unwanted item that you may have. Byreusing items, people can help to save the earth’s natural resources and reduce the amount of waste that is sent to landfill.” And of course, it certainly helps with Christmas just round the corner, Chestnut Roasting Machine anyone?
Posted in Economy and Business, News in Brief | Tagged: Free, Freegle, Recylce | Leave a Comment »
Posted by bgraham15 on November 9, 2009
By Ben Graham
Image Courtesy of www.youknowwhereyouare.com
Annual traditions in Scotland’s capital will not be disrupted this year as work on Edinburgh’s tram system continues in Princes Street, it was revealed today.
Edinburgh is a city renowned for both its vibrant culture and picture perfect views. Its many notable landmarks identify it as one of the most historically important cities on earth, yet the City is constantly subverting common traditions and welcoming new cultures to share in the city’s many delights. The German market is just one example of this, running now for over 5 years alongside other attractions such as an ice rink, fairground rides and a giant, superbly lit Ferris wheel. Edinburgh is thought to attract around half a million visitors during December alone, making it one of the most popular Christmas tourist attractions on earth
However, concerns were raised as to the welfare of the market and its overall appeal due to the work on tramlines in Princes Street. These concerns were put somewhat at rest today when it was revealed that all efforts are being made to ensure the success of the market through careful planning and deliberations.
Duncan Fisher, a spokesperson for Edinburgh council stated that the Christmas market ‘will not be affected by construction on the tram line’; which is taking place directly parallel to the festivities.
Features such as a ‘Santa’s grotto’, a mulled beer and wine section, as well as a host of youth orientated activities in Princes Street Gardens have helped make the Christmas celebration a well loved tradition in Edinburgh, and many citizens of the city have expressed their distaste for the tram scheme. Andrew Durie (49), a fisherman and frequent visitor to the market during festivities remarked ‘The trams cause disruption all year round, if this continues into Christmas I can see it losing the market a lot of potential customers’.
However the two will be kept entirely separate during the holiday season claims Edinburgh Council spokesperson Valerie Pearson.
The intention of the tram scheme, as stated on their website edinburghtrams.com is to ‘Support the Scottish Government’s position with regard to Scotland’s energy future and harnessing our abundant wind and wave power’. Despite opposition from other political parties and citizens alike, the SNP in coordination with Edinburgh Council has introduced a number of energy saving initiatives throughout Scotland’s capital.
As Christmas draws nearer and the trickle of tourists begins to fill the streets of Edinburgh, it is clear why so many people choose to frequent the market. It is only with the continued cooperation of the council and citizens alike, however that this tradition can expand and prosper.
Posted in Life and Society, News in Brief, Travel and Communities | Tagged: Christmas, Edinburgh, German Market, Tram | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Brionny on November 9, 2009
BY BRIONNY LEIPER
Fashionistas are gearing up to beat the crowds this weekend when H&M unveil a brand new range from top designer Jimmy Choo.
The high street store and the fashion house announced their accessories collaboration back in June and shoppers will finally get their hands on the prize on November 14. With the range covering jewellry, bags, coats and shoes, customers will have a difficult time choosing what to buy!
Crowds are expected from midnight on Friday and the 19 H&M stores selected to stock the range are well prepared to manage the crowds. The first 160 customers will be supplied with wristbands and admitted to the store in groups of 20. Once in the store, shoppers will have only ten minutes to grab their favourite items and will be allowed to buy only one of each item as H&M attempt to limit the number of resold goods on eBay.
Image courtesy of ameinfo
Margareta van den Bosch, H&M’s creative director says: “This Autumn Jimmy Choo brings vitality and sexy glamour to H&M. I love the really high strappy sandals with lots of decoration and attitude, matched with clean-cut, 80s-inspired clothes. Designer Tamara Mellon always shows her amazing shoes with equally amazing clothes, and we wanted to offer our customers a complete collection – including men’s shoes and clothes too. I think this collection suits anyone with a flair for fashion and high heels!”
Jimmy Choo has risen to the top of the fashion pile thanks mainly to their classic shoe designs. Now, the high street will be getting a taste of top-end glamour from one of the world’s most respected fashion houses without compromise. Founder and President of Jimmy Choo, Tamera Mellon has made sure those little details Jimmy Choo fans cherish are included.
“The Jimmy Choo collection for H&M is full of fun, one-off items with an accessible and glamorous identity made with stylish materials, emphasised with colour and embellishment. I wanted to create pieces that would reach a cool and young customer with a fashionable and independent sense of spirit in this one-off collaboration.”
Image courtesy of ebay
The collection will be bursting with studs, animals prints and leather as well as that much coveted Jimmy Choo label. Key pieces include a Barbie pink clutch bag (£39.99), a grey one shouldered suede dress (£149.99) and Jimmy Choo’s famous ballet pumps in a zany zebra print (£49.99)
Unfortunately for shoppers in Scotland, the only store stocking the Jimmy Choo range will be the new store opening in Glasgow’s Buchanan Street on November 12. The store is adjacent to Buchanan Galleries, the city’s premier shopping centre. To celebrate the new store throwing open its doors, the first 200 customers through the door will be handed a gift card pre-loaded with a random amount between £5-£100. Students will receive a further 15% discount when they present a valid student ID.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: Buchanan Street, Glasgow, h&m, high street, jimmy choo, Shopping, student discount | Leave a Comment »
Posted by kanemumford on November 9, 2009
By Kane Mumford
Mark Fisher, Edinburgh Freelancers member comments on the NUJ work experience motion
A motion tabled by the Edinburgh freelance division of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) against the “abuse” of student labour in the media industry will draw attention to fears that the unpaid work done by students on work experience placements is“de-professionalizing” the industry.
Mark Fisher, a member of the Edinburgh freelancers group, has expressed concern over the current practice of taking on students who are hungry for experience at the expense of other professionals in the industry:
“One of our members has lost work because of what seems to be a deliberate cost-cutting policy of taking on students straight from university who are not necessarily being given professional support and are acting as free labour replacements for working journalists.”
Fisher’s comments were made against a background of criticism from the NUJ of papers’ and broadcasters’ work experience policies. In April 2008 a survey was completed by student members who reported a mixed picture of there time during internships at local and national papers. It found that 1 in 5 students who did post-qualification internships worked for as long as 6 months and of those number 78% received no payment for their efforts, despite regularly having their work published, as would a paid journalist.
Stephen Pearse, an NUJ campaigns spokesman, said that while there were problems with some areas of the report, the NUJ is in favour of work experience programmes as a way of students gaining skills in the workplace:
“The NUJ is supportive of properly organised work experience placements for people undertaking journalism courses, but we’re concerned that too often employers use unpaid internships to get work done free.”
National papers seem keen to respond to graduates’ training and financial needs, the Times offers a strict one week only work placement and the Guardian has set up a scheme that aims to offer “fair and fulfilling” internships . A spokesperson for Guardian News and Media said this about their Positive Action scheme:
” We have a commitment with our own chapel, i.e in the house agreement, that senior members of the editorial department will oversee the work experience scheme and ensure that it is rewarding for the students. The agreement also limits work experience to two weeks, which we hope provides for a meaningful experience without exploitation.”
“Our main focus in on work placements offered through our Scott Trust Bursary scheme and the Positive Action scheme, though we also offer a limited number of placements outside these programmes. An exception to the two-week rule is made for the overall winner of the Student Media Award. That person is invited for an extended six-week work placement at the Guardian as part of their prize, for which they receive a subsistence allowance.”
The changes proposed in the motion, to be considered by the NUJ’s ADM conference next week could see more support for similar schemes in the future.
Posted in Life and Society, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Posted by euanandrew on November 9, 2009
by E.J. Andrew
picture courtesy of scottishholidayhomes.com
At the end of last week it was revealed by Registers of Scotland that house prices have increased in the last quarter. The release showed that the average price of residential households in Scotland has fluctuated by just over 6% between July and September to nearly £155,000, indicating that the “burst bubble” of house prices in 2007 is starting to recover for Scottish home owners.
Though the figures show a general increase in prices, these hide the fact that the actual rate of price increase has fallen by 3% when compared to the same period of last year. Sheengah Adams from Registers of Scotland has said that the increases “show signs of improvement”. This is a very positive statement considering that the Registers of Scotland hold a record of every housing transaction made in Scotland. Ms. Adams went on to say that “despite the positives, we have seen a drop of 5000 purchases of houses compared to last year.” so the market may not have fully recovered yet, though this drop may be due to the rising rate of unemployment that Scotland has seen recently.
According to one Glasgow city centre estate agent Maureen McGinley: “Prices have become much more settled in the last year and nothing is overpriced.” She went on to say that this “seems to have instilled confidence in the market.” Things appear to be looking up for the city of Glasgow and both buyers and sellers in the area. “New builds are sold at a premium so there wont be a return on them” said Mrs. McGinley “we are currently selling three times as many houses as we were in 2008.”
Posted in Economy and Business, Life and Society | Tagged: Glasgow, house prices | Leave a Comment »
