James Murdoch to face MPs' criticism over phone hacking

guardian.co.uk, Monday 30 2012

James Murdoch, son of Rupert Murdoch (News of the World), will be criticized over the phone hacking scandal at “News of the World”, but will presumably not be accused of misleading parliament. However, members of parliament agreed on the fact that Murdoch had not done enough to find out exactly how many times phone hacking occurred at his newspaper during the last several years.

News International now faces lawsuits by individuals that state their phones were hacked between 2001 and 2006, but the extent of hacking only surfaced at the end of 2010. Murdoch had been chairman since 2007. It is therefore that Murdoch’s predecessor, Les Hinton, will face a much tougher committee hearing and most probably be accused of misleading parliament. If inviduals are found guilty, they could be summoned to apologize.

Reaction

I absolutely agree with a hearing on the conduct of James Murdoch in this case. I think hacking telephone or other conversations is a serious crime; people have a right of privacy. How far do these journalists think they can go by hacking phones and publishing private information? It should not happen and in my opinion it should be punished. This makes clear how the continuous surge for power can influence people and turn them into criminals. How immensely stupid of a tycoon like Murdoch to get himself involved in this and to lose his credibility.

What happens if twenty somethings move back with their parents?

This article is about 28 year old Nat Luurtsema of Watford, England, who was forced to return to live with her parents like many other twenty somethings due to an increase in property prices, student debt or simply because of unemployment.

Living under the same roof again with her parents was not that easy for Luurtsema. She started talking about it on the internet and found many peers dealing with the same problem.

Even television shows have centered on this topic and lately a book has been written about this subject, called “Cuckoo in the Nest”.

Recent figures show that almost a third of men and a fifth of the women between 20 and 34 live with their parents; an all time high since 1950.

It would be interesting to learn what this could mean for the future; will twenty somethings ever grow up if they stay at home? Or will it create stronger, more adult ties within a family.

                      Parenting expert Sue Atkins says that parents will have to create clear boundaries for elder children staying with them.  Privacy is another concern; what to do if you want to take a boyfriend or girlfriend home? Most twenty-somethings find it embarrassing to take their dates home if they are still staying with their parents. Still, saving money when staying at home has always been a great advantage. But does it outweigh the negative aspects? Most interviewees set a date for leaving their parental home; their general view on living at home was that it had been like living with complicated roommates.

Opinion

Nowadays, when you are short on cash, have a study debt or if you are unemployed, it is quite common to go and live with your parents for a while. It also happens with students who are in between studies or waiting to go abroad for an exchange programme. Of course it is easier said than done; I agree with setting boundaries, to make clear that there are certain rules that have to be obeyed so the son/daughter knows what to expect.

I have some experience in this respect. My eldest daughter started studying in Breda, then moved to Amsterdam to do an internship. In between moving, she stayed at home and it wasn’t easy for both of us. On the other hand, if you know what to expect from each other and you are both relaxed about it, it can turn out very well, like it did in our relationship.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/home-stretch-what-happens-when

A foot in two nations along the Tweed

The Independent, Sunday April 22, 2012

Independent reporter Mark Rowe takes us on a walk on the border of England and Scotland, along the river Tweed, where we can find the three metre wide, natural border set in a beautiful scenery. Being a peaceful area at the moment, the border wasn’t always that tranquil. At one time in history, armies from the north and south fought bitter battles in this part of the country.

Starting the walk at Paxton, one is coming across many bridges on this trip.  Rowe is accompanied on is walk by Ian Kille, a local geologist and owner of a B&B, who knows everything there is to know about the area.

The route follows the path  along Merse View, then goes to Foulden. From Foulden the track leads to Low Cocklaw, crossing the Whiteadder bridge and leads to Paxton Toll House and River Tweed. From the river you can retrace your steps and return via Paxton House to Paxton Village.

Opinion

The reason I chose this article is because I love hiking. I went to Scotland last year and I walked 20 kilometres a day around St. Andrews, Edinburgh and Sterling.  The scenery is so lovely, I could recommend it to anyone. When you are walking, you really get to appreciate nature. Moreover, the Scottish people are very friendly, and they will tell you all there is to know about the area you are visiting.  You meet many different people on the way, and that is a unique experience in itself. People tend to take more time to talk to you when you are walking, presumably because they think you have more time. This results in interesting conversations on various subjects. The abovementioned walk would be something I would really like to do. Maybe next year?

http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/uk/a-foot-in-two-nations-along-the-tweed/766808

Britain for Sale

Britain for sale: How long before a foreign power turns out Britain's lights?

A lot of British utilities companies have been sold to foreign companies, which makes British citizens quite nervous because foreign companies will decide what prices have to be paid and from a historical point of view, British citizens are not eager to be at the mercy of others, in this case the conglomerates. The freedom to turn on the tap and switch on the light is an important issue in Britain and British citizens are far from amused if foreign companies would decide when to turn off the tap or switch off the lights.  A situation many Brits dread and which politicians will have to discuss to avoid matters becoming worse.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk

The Daily Mail, April 16^th 2012

I think it is inevitable that large companies take over the public utilities. There is more competition between the companies, which will probably increase utility prices which will in turn upset the public. But what can be done about it? A bit of healthy competition wouldn’t harm the British system. The same thing happens all over the world. Gas comes from Russia, water comes from everywhere, so what is the fuss?

shoebomber secretly freed from jail

‘shoebomber’ secretly freed from jail after testifying against Al Qaeda terrorists in return for shorter sentence       

Shoebomber Saajid Muhummad Badat tried to blow up a transatlantic flight by hiding a bomb in a shoe. He had a last minute change of mind and did not pursue his deadly plan.  Instead, he has helped to get Adis Medunjanin, alleged to have plotted to bomb the New York subway, behind bars. In return for his testify, Badat got a shorter prison sentence. Originally, Badat was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment, which was reduced to 11 after cutting the deal.  He was sent to prison in 2009 and released in March 2010. The whole deal with Badat was a well kept secret.

• The Daily Mail, April 16th
Actually I am not in favour of cutting deals with criminals, even if they help to get other criminals behind bars. The idea that this person wanted to blow up an entire plane would be enough to put him behind bars for a very long time. And now he’s out,........ to do what?
Now I know why people have to put their shoes off at the airport before passing security!!!



http://www.dailymail.co.uk