British News

In these modern times, we usually see just how much trouble we could cause each other. For instance, we have developed fast information access points, and we use it not only for information access, but for information robberies as well! We have also developed P2P technology for faster and easier file sharing ventures, but most of the damn users of P2P networks share virus-infected files instead of music and videos! With new tools and drugs, even street crimes are increasing. Yes, and it has reached also both Wales and England, where you probably least expect something such as street muggings and stuff could actually be done, you know.

Wales and England are considered as welfare states. This means that in these parts of the planet, poverty is not known. So how could street crimes flourish on a place where the people don't know anything about getting hungry and all? But recent reports have shown that at least a 16% increase on robberies and other street crimes have been felt on the cities of Wales and England. This could probably be caused by the widespread use of illegal substances, or because more and more guns are available from the black market. Worse, it could even be caused by a damn combination of both stuff, you know.

With this, the chances of dying on the beautiful streets of Wales and England have increased, too. Tourists must not be troubled with this since there are now quite a few adjustments made by the British government. Police visibility has also increased in the parts where most street crimes happen. But, a notable increase on gun use on street crimes was also reported. About a 10% increase was seen on crimes where guns were used. This is very troubling, indeed, and I do hope the British government solves this problem as soon as possible.

Fast information access is either among the best innovations of this modern age, or the worst it has ever come up with. For instance, because Britain's Natural History Museum is planning to launch an electronic guide to the actual richness of its wildlife on the internet, people could then have a glimpse of a variety of British wildlife without leaving the comfort of their homes. But it would also prevent the children from experiencing first-hand British's animal and plant life! Imagine yourself as a kid growing up with a shitty monitor in front of you, showing damn pictures and videos of real animals and plants. Kinda sucks, doesn't it?

Britain's Natural History Museum is now working on a digital brochure of its animal and plant life. The museum's officials have stated that they will launch it sometime this November. The digital access point, dubbed as the Nature Navigator, houses a lot of information on insects, plants, mammals, and even aquatic creatures of British wilderness. It could be accessed via the internet, promising a faster means of informing the people about British wildlife, as well as educating the children in modern ways and means. Not only that, but in entertaining ways as well.

But, I think the actual thing is better than damn digital images of British wildlife. Well, it is generally an advantage for those who can't afford to go there or something, you know. But this would evidently reduce a kid's interest on going there and actually experiencing the real thing! I have learned from the years I have spent on this planet that experience is the best teacher. But now I'm rather confused about this: a digital experience, or an actual one? The better option from this modern set of choices for experiencing things, I mean.

I don't think these dim-witted Taliban terrorists even know the difference between people and shields! I guess that would be because of the sorry excuse of an education they had, or their mothers didn't breastfeed them enough back when they were all a bunch of babies! I don't even know what the hell they're all doing with their brains, you know, but I think there's nothing inside those damn skulls of theirs but empty space. Even those damn cannibal cancer cells would starve to death inside a Taliban terrorist's head!

This happened when actual British troops started to make their move on a somewhat remote part of Afghanistan. They were there because intelligence reports have given them the information on a certain Taliban group performing their fuckhead purposes within the said area. Thus, in about a 6-hour battle or so, these Taliban group decided to use a human wall as their last ditch effort in an already losing battle against the British troops. This happened in one remote village somewhere to the wayward west of Nauzad, a town in Afghanistan. 21 Taliban fuckheads were killed, and the British troops have flushed out at least some of the filth humanity has with this. There were no reported civilian deaths, and this is a very proud thing the British army boasts of.

In this modern digital age, we now have enough tools and the necessary information in which to separate religion from hard science regarding the origin of the thing we call universe. Through science, we have known that the world is not flat, and that our world is not the damn center of anything other than the plans of our government for world domination! With this, a few people have risen to the challenge of making it known throughout the world what really happened when time was just about to start!

British physicist Stephen Hawking, perhaps the greatest mind in history since Einstein, is such a person to do just so. In fact, he has written a bestseller, which outsold Madonna's book on sex 7 to one! The book, entitled "a Brief History of Time", is a book on physics, meaning that it contains mathematical equations even a calculator would have trouble understanding, let alone calculating! Imagine a damn book on physics outselling a book on sex! Ain't this such a beautiful world!

But in his further investigations on the origin of the cosmos, it has been told that his reverence, the Pope himself, has asked Stephen Hawking to put a stop on his studies on the origin of what we all call the universe. I think this is because Stephen Hawking has come across a marvelous discovery, something that would shock the God-believing population of the world, which makes up around almost the entire human race! It is said that Stephen Hawking, in his blackhole theory or something, states that God just didn't have to be there in the origin of the whole universe! Yes, Hawking has found out, through his research on the cosmos, that the universe could have started out by itself, without the need for a creator! I think this is the main reason behind the Pope's decision, don't you think so?

Prime Minister Tony Blair has something to keep him busier than he already is. Just recently, Charles Clarke has accused the prime minister that the latter has lost his direction and purpose in life. Charles Clarke was a senior cabinet minister and former ally to Blair. Incidentally, Clarke gave several interviews saying that the prime minister was wrong about dismissing him. The interviews were accepted by Charles Clarke after he has left the government for seven weeks.

Blair is currently on hos third term. The prime minister pledged that it will be his last. However, the PM is being requested to step down from his position due to a series of government controversies involving mismanagement, sleaze, as well as sex.

It is interesting to note that Clarke, despite his opinion of Blair, still believes that the lack in leadership in the government could still be solved if Blair is able to improve his performance. However, he also adds that having Brown as Blair's successor copuld possibly make some improvements, too. Incidentally, Clarke believes that Tony Blair will leave his post in 2008. However, there are some people who believe that by next year, there will be a new prime minister.

Who would forget how Beatles rocked the world by storm in the 60's? Or how the Spice Girls revived the pop culture scene in the 90's? Oh... no! Great Britain is not just the seat of power for economic movers and shakers, but of music royalties as well!

This Colombian hip-busting goddess breaks in to top 3 in the UK's Top Singles Chart. Her success continues after her collaboration with Wyclef Jean reinstates her as an international breakthrough artist even in UK with her hit single-- "Hips Don't Lie". She certainly knows how to strike that groove with her Pop-rock combo!

Her recent reign in UK's music scene further boosts her magical powers in the art of bootie-dancing and receives a wide acceptance to her rich origin and styles. She also stirred a strong following with her audience--enchanting the ears of women and more likely, captivating the eyes of the male public.

Meanwhile, football fans and players had their eyes fixed not on the game though, but on Shakira swaying hips as well. Who could evade her shaking spells? She sampled some of her artful dance tricks and got the sometimes rowdy and rough players on the field astounded, even mummed. Who says David Beckham is the star of the football show? For Shakira, it can only count as one of her recent success.

Good news to all football fanatics! England had won its first game, 1-0, in the World Cup against Paraguay last June 10th. It was the first official game of the England team which is hoping to get the much-coveted crown of the famous sporting event now being held in Germany. David Beckham scored the lone goal in the third minute of the match. Beckham's free-kick skimmed off the head of Paraguay's team captain's Carlos Gamarra, and then hit the net. The opposing team tried their best
to equalize the game, however, they were unsuccessful to make a goal. England's next opponent will Trinidad and Tobago this coming June 15th.

Expected to show more of their great talents and football skills for the England line-up are midfielder Liverpool Mr. Incredible Steven Gerrard, forward Michael Owens of Newcastle United, and teen sensation Wayne Rooney from Manchester United. The three together with their captain David Beckham and the rest of the England team, will try to bag the championship. However, they will have to face ruthless rivals lead by defending championship Brazil, who is being spearheaded by
their amazing superstar Ronaldo, one of the world's greatest football player of all time.

It is very difficult to roam around Britain while carrying all these stuff: passport, company ID, driver's license, school ID. Although the risks are low, still we threatened to the possibility that we might, in a blink of an eye, lose these essential documents. The information indicated in the aforementioned pieces of papers and cards are often used to access the services around the country. If the inevitable happens, we might find our names used by crooks.

To prevent the above mentioned scenario, the British government proposed a countrywide ID system. As what was expected, people protested over the proposal. Indeed, they viewed the ID system as ineffective as all other schemes. Besides, they lamented over the criminal-like process of the system. They argued that everyone will receive his or her ID, and will be automatically tracked inside and outside of the country.

I think, there has been a misunderstanding between the proposed bill and its effectivity. The ID system will alleviate the burden for people to carry their personal documents wherever they go. Also, the system will, help the police track real criminals, especially the dreaded computer crimes which have widely spread in Britain. Anyway, the ID system will be forced to be undertaken by those who shall renew their passports. Let us see if this will work. Britain will have to experiment on its reliability. The change will take a long time to complete. But, in the end, I say the ID system is a good idea.

The present energy gap in Britain almost pushed the Blair administration to support nuclear energy. This reminded me of the global partnership plan announced by US President Bush. It is as if Britain is biting the bait. Hey, I am not against nuclear energy source, but I think there are other alternatives to resolve the scarcity of energy in Britain.

Blair has deliberately spoken of his backing up the project. While other European countries are still thinking of adhering to the plan, Blair has already made up his mind and set his administration in embracing the blueprint for nuclear energy plants. According to Blair, a few years from now, Britain will likely to experience power outage. Add to that the heavy-laden policies with regards to energy that directly affects the impoverished.

Aside from the energy problems it faces, Tony Blair is also looking forward to solving the issues with regards to global warming. Britain must be experiencing climate shifting. It is now having days with intense heat. On the other hand, the cold temperature seems to go under the low point. Well, maybe it is just unfortunate to have been located near the Arctics, and so it is one of the few countries to first encounter the effects of global warming.

I am not really interested with cruises. I mean, I do not like the seas. Even if cruise ships these days resemble floating hotels, nobody can encourage me to pay for a travel. But, since I am here to hail Great Britain, it is my pleasure to present to you the largest among the ships that ever cruised the Atlantic Ocean.

Guess just what name the ship carries. Of course, it bears the title of the noblest queen of England. Only, the ship that was set to sail just last week is the second one to be named after Queen Mary. The first one sailed some time in the 1930's, and was maintained as a hotel in California. Anyway, going back to the huge ship, I think it is the most luxurious ever created in UK. Just imagine the ship carrying two thousand passengers, while serving them with the best amenities any five-star hotel could give. Before I forget, the ship is 1,130 feet in length. Although it is the biggest, I still cannot figure out how luxury cruise ships invite passengers. Alright, so there is no casino in the ship, although there are various shops. Not to mention the delicious cuisines served to guests. You might say the ballroom hall is magnificent. Yes, it is really fantastic. But, unless there is a reason to dance, the ballroom is just an empty space. Enough of this lamentations, I am glad to have learned the news. At least, I have another reason to be proud that I am an English man.

The health of the British people is of importance to the government. This is manifested in the well-planned British welfare system of the country. However, the government is still struggling for a farm better medical assistance that it will extend to its deserving citizens.

It is just one of the good news that I have read a week ago. According to the online newspaper, the government has allowed its medical practitioners, specifically the nurses, to prescribe a wider variety of medicines. This is in line with the pursuit of the state to promote an immediate treatment to patients. The whole plan consisted of and required the nurses to undergo training in prescription. The lectures and practices involve skills on diseases like tonsillitis, acne, and other health matters.

However, seasoned nurses are already allowed to prescribe medications for diabetes and asthma. The move made by the government gave the pharmacists the opportunity to have more clients aside from doctors. Also, the said plan has provided the people the freedom to choose either a nurse or a doctor to consult for their medical problems. The main concern, according to the chairman in-charge for the said project, is the assurance that health practitioners are knowledgeable enough to serve the people, thus taking into main consideration the safety of the people.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating her 80th birthday this year and more than the grand celebration the whole world is looking forward to yet another year in the Queen's reign. In the course of those 80 years, the Queen bore witness to the unfolding of important historical events that took place all over the world. But this time, the world is her audience as she celebrates her 80th year with grand and majestic birthday celebrations.

Did you know that the Queen actually celebrates two birthdays? Her Majesty was actually born on April 21, 1926 but she also celebrates an official birthday which is either on the first, second or third Saturday of June. This year, the Queen will celebrate her official birthday on June 17, 2006.

The Queen’s celebration of two birthdays had been practiced ever since. As usual, the actual birthday celebration will be held at the Windsor Castle while the official birthday will be celebrated by a parade known as the Trooping the Color. The Queen will also attend National Service of Thanksgiving at the St. Paul's Cathedral and a Children's Garden Party to be held in front of the Buckingham Palace.

Did you know that Wales' very own super star, Tom Jones, singer of the hit song Sex Bomb, is now Sir Tom Jones? Tom Jones received knighthood in the Queen’s New Year’s Honors in December of 2005 for his lifetime achievements as an artist.

Jones, born as Thomas Jones Woodward, started singing when he was a little child at family gatherings, weddings and even in his school’s choir. He originated in a small valley town of Treforest in Southern Wales. The Welsh singer started professional singing in a band named, "The Senators" in 1963. His big break came a year later after going solo. He recorded his first single but became a flop. The follow-up single titled "It’s Not Unusual," however became an instant hit which catapulted him to stardom. Tom’s greatest hit ever was "Green Grass of Home." And the rest as they say is history.

The 65-year old singer was overwhelmed with the honor of knighthood given by the Queen, along with other British names such as Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney, who have each made great contributions to British national life.

Tryouts for the Ms. England contest are still on-going. Apparently there are still almost 50 vacancies to be filled by ladies who wish to represent England. The finals will be held on the 14th of July. Therefore, those who wish to join the said beauty contest still have a chance to prove to themselves and the country that they are the type of girls that England is made of. The winner of said event will represent the country on September for the Miss World Pageant.

However, it important to know that there some specifications that hopeful candidates need to remember. Mind you, joining this prestigious event is no joke. Don't expect this to be a piece of cake. Ms. England must definitely be dignified and beautiful inside and out. Therefore, there are several criteria for joining the said event.

First criteria is for the candidate to be a certified resident of England. This goes without saying that she needs to have British citizenship. Second is that the candidate must not be younger than 17. Also, she must exceed the age of 24 years. Third criteria is for the lady to be unmarried. This also means that she must not have any children. Fourth criteria that must be followed is that the hopeful candidate must not have joined in any National beauty contest in the previous year. The above are but some of the several guidelines or requirements that the hopeful candidates must take into consideration.

I am quite certain that the British countryside is always a part of your European travel itinerary. This holds true especially for the country lovers or people who are sick and tired of the too much congestions in the cities. I also love country living. I feel extremely peaceful with the sight of magnificent landscapes, fresh flower gardens, and anything that resembles the countryside.

But, are you aware that there are certain problems facing the country dwellers nowadays? Take for instance, the British countryside march regarding the degree of hostilities the rural folks have. One serious anguish of these people is depopulation. This happens when rural dwellers flock to the suburban areas in search for better opportunities. Thus, the countryside becomes hardly populated.

Due to a great influx of people from the countryside, the rural areas are sort of divorced from the rest of the country. Development tends to slow down because they have lost a lot of their brilliant dwellers. As a result, rural needs and problems are often being taken for granted. Thus, this trend is truly and mutually despising. These and many others are the various problems confronting the rural societies today. But, still there is no such place as pleasurable and peaceful as that of the countryside.

If you are the type of person who is constantly following the works of Shakespeare, you might have the opportunity to take another glimpse of his masterpieces.

The National Portrait Gallery will be holding an exhibition from the first week of March until the last week of May this year and will be displaying William Shakespeare's manuscripts and portraits as well as sixteenth and seventeenth-century jewelry and costumes. Going to this event will surely be educational and fun, especially for those who want to be familiar with London's heritage AND with Shakespeare's era.

Almost 12 years after being raped, Brenda Sexton flew to Great Britain to testify against her attacker, Mursal Botan. Sexton was 22 and was on her first foreign trip when Botan dragged her to a back alley, threatened her life and raped her in an unused garage.

Police knocked on the door of Sexton's home one day and asked her to give evidence against Botan. "There was no doubt in my mind. I had to do it, but I knew it would be hard." Sexton said. Sexton strengthened her resolved to participate in the trial that saw Botan sentenced for seven years for forced imprisonment and 12 years for rape to run concurrently.