Olympic Defenses Approved

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jul/03/london-2012-missile-defence-deployment

London 2012: missile defence deployment goes ahead despite protests

The government has decided to proceed with the deployment of ground-based air defence systems at six sites in and around London. There have been some protests about placing the missile’s at residential areas, one group has launched a legal challenge that will be heard at the Royal Courts of Justice on Monday. The missile's won't be the only deterrent, there will be a warship on the Thames, RAF jets and helicopters on standby and 13,500 troops in London to help local police. The home secretary said that the Olympics “should be a peaceful celebration of sporting achievement" but that the government would "leave nothing to chance".

I feel that the residents should not complain about the security measures concerning the Olympics, it is safer for everyone involved or living there that the security measures are there so that they can work as a deterrent for possible terrorist or other threats. I feel Britain is going a bit overboard with the whole security issue but better safe than sorry. I hope nothing will happen and that everything will proceed smoothly.

Oil or Whales That is the Question

Protect whales from new oil industry, warns WWF

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jul/04/wwf-appeal-threat-whales-oil

Summary

This article concerns the WWF's fear that there might be an increase in whaling in the coming years. This fear is based on the recent climate changes that have taken place: the recent climate changes are opening up new “previously inaccessible” areas of the Arctic to the oil industry.

These areas are one of the few safe zones left in the world for whales and other cetaceans. If the oil industry were to move there, there would be no place left for them. The article then proceeds to discuss a few more of the pro- and anti-whaling arguments.

Reaction

In my opinion, if the Arctic is one of the few safe zones left, the oil industry should not be allowed to go there, even if the climate changes allow it. But since that's mostly just wishful thinking, I think
measures should be taken to make sure that as many whales and cetaceans as possible survive, by for example requiring companies to apply for a permit and limiting the amount of permits.

It's not that I'm against whaling per se, I think it's natural to hunt: but the fact that whales are almost extinct changes things. The whales should be able to reproduce faster than they are hunted.

Technology Beats Training

London 2012 Olympics: How athletes use technology to win medals

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jul/04/london-2012-olympic-games-sport-technology

A report from the Institute of Mechanical Engineers suggests that the ever increasing level of technology used in high level sports like cycling,sailing and other technology dependent sports will decide who the winner is and not the best athlete. With the Olympics drawing near, many British athletes train with the help of expensive technology to enhance their performance, leaving athletes from poorer countries at a distinct disadvantage. Although engineers say that technology might make the difference between a gold and a silver medal, the question is if the engineering community should not be involved in the regulatory process to advise on the use of said technology and it's fair or unfair advantage.

I find technology in sports to be both good and bad. The good is when it is used to prevent injuries or accidents but when it is used to train then I feel it should be available to all athletes and not to a select few from the richer countries. I think it is a very good idea to put technology experts on the advisory board to help determine if the technology in use provides an unfair advantage.

Formula One Driver No Longer in Danger

Formula One test driver 'stable' following serious crash

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jul/03/formula-one-test-driver-stable-crash

On Tuesday, July 3^rd, one of the first female F1 drivers, Maria de Villota, was injured in a freak accident during straight-line aerodynamic testing on the Duxford airfield.

In her first outing for the Marussia F1 team, the 32 year old driver from Spain was ending her first run with new aerodynamic parts aimed for the upcoming Silverstone grandprix when she hit a stationary team transporter. The spanish was transferred to hospital with facial injuries after she made contact with the taillift of the truck which was slightly elevated. Currently in hospital and conscious, the extent of her injuries are still unknown.

I am very glad she is no longer in critical condition, I would like to know why she hit the team transporter and why the team transporter was on the track. I hope her injuries heal without any complications and that she can continue her career as a Formula One (test)driver. I hope to see her soon in a race and I hope she won't be the only female driver in Formula One.

British army's top woman to quit

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/jul/01/british-army-top-woman-quits

No Female General for Britain

Britain’s most senior woman officer is resigning from the army. She was expected to become Britain's first female general but after 26 years of service she chose voluntary redundancy. Brigadier Nicky Moffat says that the army cuts in 2020 have nothing to do with her decision and hopes that more young women will join the army because they are fundamental to the operational effectiveness. The army cuts in 2020 include a reduction in strength from 100,000 soldiers now to 82,000 in 2020. It has been added that some historic battalions might disappear because of the cuts.

My reaction

before I read this article I did not know Britain did not have a female general. I hope her resignation really has nothing to do with the budget cuts because I do not like people having to quit because of lack of funding. But seeing that she is a high ranking officer I think it is true she voluntary left. I hope they find another capable female to become Britain's first female general. And I hope that the historic battalions survive the 2020 budget cuts.

No Help Means No Benefits

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/may/22/jobseekers-alcohol-drug-addiction-benefits-cut

Jobseekers who reject help for alcohol and drug addiction face benefits cut

Unemployed people will be subject to a new benefits regime. When unemployed people are suspected of suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction and refuse treatment, they will have their benefits cut. The staff in Jobcenter Plus offices will be granted the power to cut the claimants benefits if they reject treatment. Analysis shows that almost 40.000 people claim incapacity benefits with alcoholism as their primary diagnoses, 13.500 of these have been claiming for at least 10 years.

My reaction.

I feel this is a step in the right direction. If you are an addict you should seek help. If you are an addict who claims money from the community you should definitely seek help, if you refuse this I think it is only right that you would be cut on your benefits. I hope this new regime will be accepted by parliament when it appears next April. I do wonder about granting that sort of power to the employees at the Jobcenter who is going to check them and see if they are doing their job right?

UK Prepares for Greek Exit

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/may/20/banks-ready-for-greece-eurozone-exit

UK banks are ready for Greek exit, says Bank of England adviser.

Britain's banks are preparing for a possible Greek exit from the Euro zone. Michael Chohrs, a member of a Bank of England regulatory body says in his first interview "British banks are ready for Greece, their liquidity is strong and they have enough capital to withstand shocks from Greece” He says it is advisable for the banks to keep building up more capital, but that is only because of the current uncertainty in the Euro zone.

My reaction

I feel it is sad but necessary to prepare for a possible Greek exit. It is nice to know that the Banks of England feel that they are prepared to deal with it without going under together with the Greeks. I hope the Dutch banks are similarly preparing for that event and that we as taxpayers don't suffer to much because of it. I hope the Greek will come to their senses and elect a government that will uphold the budget cuts instead of one that will disregard them. We'll see on the 17^th of June.