You are heartbroken, and? Have you taken centre stage to address the issue? Your Administration took 38 days for an administrative solution which is absolutely unacceptable to any clear thinking human being!
(Guardian UK) - BP has failed to stop the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico using so-called top kill and junk shot techniques, prompting an exasperated response from Barack Obama.
After three days of pumping drilling mud over the leak and an attempt to plug the flow by blasting tyres, golf balls and other debris at it, BP admitted defeat last night. In its latest attempt to contain the worst oil spill in US history, it is to launch a four- to seven-day operation that will involve more oil leaking into the Gulf even if it works.
Obama described the setback as "enraging" and "heartbreaking", as documents emerged showing that BP engineers were concerned about the safety of the Deepwater Horizon rig months earlier than the company has admitted.
Papers obtained by the New York Times show that issues were raised as far back as last June. The problems involved the well casing and blowout preventer, considered critical pieces in the chain of events that led to the disaster.
On 22 June last year, BP engineers were worried that the casing the company wanted to use might collapse under high pressure. "This would certainly be a worst-case scenario," Mark Hafle, a senior drilling engineer at BP, warned in an internal report. "However, I have seen it happen so know it can occur."
The company went ahead with the casing, but only after getting special permission because it violated safety policies and design standards, the New York Times reported.
Hafle, testifying before a panel in Louisiana on Friday about the cause of the rig disaster, rejected the notion that BP had taken risks. He declined to comment on the leaked report.
Last night BP admitted the best hope of stemming the flow completely could take a further two months, using relief wells. BP's chief operations officer, Doug Suttles, admitted: "We have not been able to stop the flow … This scares everybody, the fact that we can't make this well stop flowing, the fact that we haven't succeeded so far."
He added: "Many of the things we're trying have been done on the surface before, but have never been tried at 5,000ft."
The next approach, which also has never been attempt at this depth, involves robot submarines cutting the leaking pipe, placing a cap over it and then pumping the oil to the surface. "We're confident the job will work but obviously we can't guarantee success," Suttles said. He explained that if the operation succeeded it would contain most, but not all, of the leaking oil.
The spill is the worse than the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster and has dumped up to 40m gallons (150m litres) into the Gulf of Mexico, according to government estimates.
Obama, who is facing mounting criticism about the government's response, showed his frustration last night. "It is as enraging as it is heartbreaking, and we will not relent until this leak is contained, until the waters and shores are cleaned up, and until the people unjustly victimised by this manmade disaster are made whole," he said.
It has been 40 days since the Deepwater Horizon rig exploded, killing 11 workers, and unleashing an environmental catastrophe. Oil has washed up on a vast stretch of beaches and poisoned wildlife in the ecologically sensitive area.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Malaysia's 'The Star Newspaper' Lacks Civics
I never thought that a government linked newspaper could be so irresponsible when reporting about a foreign leader. David Laws resigned yesterday from the newly formed coalition government of UK because he felt responsible for his actions but get it very clear that it had nothing to do with him being Gay! Excuse me? Homosexuality is legal in the UK unlike some uncivilized countries that believe Moral Policing is the government's business!
The Sunday Star reported today with the headlines "Minister has male partner". Having a Male partner had nothing to do with his resignation, infact the government was aware of his sexuality and let me stress here that PM Cameron and DPM Clegg have the highest respect and regards for David Laws. They refer to him as a Man of Integrity. Both PM & DPM have also mentioned that they would like to see David Laws returning to the Cabinet. He has been the Man behind the formation of the coalition, a bright scholar with Double First Class Honours in Economics.
It's time over due that Malaysian Newspapers and tabloids cease from practising "Third World Reporting". Such manner of reporting as in The Sunday Star today clearly shows lack of civics and maturity. The right report of David Laws resignation is best explained in BBC's report @ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/10191524.stm / One can see the vast difference between BBC's report and The Sunday Star of Malaysia.
The Sunday Star reported today with the headlines "Minister has male partner". Having a Male partner had nothing to do with his resignation, infact the government was aware of his sexuality and let me stress here that PM Cameron and DPM Clegg have the highest respect and regards for David Laws. They refer to him as a Man of Integrity. Both PM & DPM have also mentioned that they would like to see David Laws returning to the Cabinet. He has been the Man behind the formation of the coalition, a bright scholar with Double First Class Honours in Economics.
It's time over due that Malaysian Newspapers and tabloids cease from practising "Third World Reporting". Such manner of reporting as in The Sunday Star today clearly shows lack of civics and maturity. The right report of David Laws resignation is best explained in BBC's report @ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/10191524.stm / One can see the vast difference between BBC's report and The Sunday Star of Malaysia.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Obama's Poor Handling Of Oil Spill Issue
Obama has failed in handling the BP Oil Spill Issue pro-actively, it's such a shame! Doesn't he have a PR Team? What the hell is going on? Is He leading? My God! How will he react if a Terrorist Attack takes place with the magnitude of September 11?
(BBC) - Commentators react to President Obama's management of BP's oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
The former senior adviser and deputy chief of staff to President George W Bush
Karl Rove argues in the Wall Street Journal that President Obama has been too slow to react:
"Since the Deepwater Horizon rig blew up on April 20, a lethargic Team Obama has delayed or blown off key decisions requested by state and local governments and left British Petroleum in charge of developing a plan to cap the massive leak.
Now the slow-moving oil spill threatens Mr. Obama's reputation, along with 40% of America's sensitive wetlands. Critics include some of his most ardent cheerleaders, who understand that 38 days without an administration solution is unacceptable."
(BBC) - Commentators react to President Obama's management of BP's oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
The former senior adviser and deputy chief of staff to President George W Bush
Karl Rove argues in the Wall Street Journal that President Obama has been too slow to react:
"Since the Deepwater Horizon rig blew up on April 20, a lethargic Team Obama has delayed or blown off key decisions requested by state and local governments and left British Petroleum in charge of developing a plan to cap the massive leak.
Now the slow-moving oil spill threatens Mr. Obama's reputation, along with 40% of America's sensitive wetlands. Critics include some of his most ardent cheerleaders, who understand that 38 days without an administration solution is unacceptable."
Nate Berkus Finale at Oprah's Show
Interior decorator Nate Berkus first stepped onto the Oprah Show stage in 2002. Eight years and 127 makeovers later, the resident cutie-pie is heading to New York City to launch his own talk show, The Nate Berkus Show. "We brought him here because of his incredible eye for style, and we grew to love him for his big ole heart," Oprah says. "He taught millions of us to love the way we live."
Nate says the new show will take his approach to decorating and apply it to every part of life. "Design is a huge passion of mine, obviously. It's what I love. I think the home should rise up to greet you, but people should rise up to greet each other," he says. "Your life should actually rise up to greet you."
During his tenure at The Oprah Show, Nate has made over 17 bedrooms, 22 living rooms, 17 bathrooms, 16 kitchens and plenty more backyards, basements and playrooms. But the one that started it all was Oprah's favorite. Nate turned a 319-square-foot studio apartment into a beautiful and multifunctional living space.
After eight years, Nate says he's excited, but not nervous, to move on. "I'm ready for it," he says. "I've been so excited about it, and the process is so interesting to me that I'm really ready. I feel like I'm in the place where I should be."
To send him off, the Harpo staff compiled personal notes from former guests that Nate has touched and put them in a one-of-a-kind coffee table book. "The truth is that you, my friend, you have enhanced our homes and our hearts and made the world a more beautiful space for all of us to abide," Oprah says. "Thank you for the eight years of wonder and miracles and magic, and you are going to make me so proud. I'm already so proud of you, and I will be watching The Nate Berkus show on September 13. May you continue to dazzle us all."
Nate says the new show will take his approach to decorating and apply it to every part of life. "Design is a huge passion of mine, obviously. It's what I love. I think the home should rise up to greet you, but people should rise up to greet each other," he says. "Your life should actually rise up to greet you."
During his tenure at The Oprah Show, Nate has made over 17 bedrooms, 22 living rooms, 17 bathrooms, 16 kitchens and plenty more backyards, basements and playrooms. But the one that started it all was Oprah's favorite. Nate turned a 319-square-foot studio apartment into a beautiful and multifunctional living space.
After eight years, Nate says he's excited, but not nervous, to move on. "I'm ready for it," he says. "I've been so excited about it, and the process is so interesting to me that I'm really ready. I feel like I'm in the place where I should be."
To send him off, the Harpo staff compiled personal notes from former guests that Nate has touched and put them in a one-of-a-kind coffee table book. "The truth is that you, my friend, you have enhanced our homes and our hearts and made the world a more beautiful space for all of us to abide," Oprah says. "Thank you for the eight years of wonder and miracles and magic, and you are going to make me so proud. I'm already so proud of you, and I will be watching The Nate Berkus show on September 13. May you continue to dazzle us all."
Dato' Dr.Nirmala Menon, MBBS
Dato'Dr.Nirmala Menon is yet another Malaysia Woman who stands as a classic example of successful Malaysian women, Women in Malaysia have achieved so much and on par with their international counterparts in first world countries. Dato'Dr.Nirmala Menon is a Medical Doctor by profession who parted from the Medical profession into her own journey in the corporate world and today stands tall as The CEO of ING Insurance, A company that generates billions into the Malaysian economy.
Dato' Beatrice Nirmala
Dato' Beatrice is yet another fine example of high flying women, as Tun Dr.Mahathir Mohamad mentioned not to long ago in a foreign country that women in Malaysia are not restricted in achieving anything, Malaysian women today are on par, infact above many men in most sectors of the country. From teachers, uniformed forces, doctors, top corporate leaders, businesswomen, vice presidents, CEOs! Just name the profession and you'll see high flying women! This is Malaysia!
Below is an article written by Dato'Beatrice,
Below is an article written by Dato'Beatrice,
Women have come far over the past 50 years. We (women) are now decision makers, managers, leaders… We are reaping the benefits of opportunities in education and in business. We are now our own persons instead of being the mere wife, daughter, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother of someone else. We have gained the two greatest freedoms - the right to work and the right to be financially independent. There is a Brave New World out there, and men and women are playing a part in building it as equal partners.
Women have reached the top of their game and are respected by their peers for what they have achieved. And you know what? Their success have come about, not because they are women and not despite the fact they are, but because who they are. At the end of the day, your gender should only be an issue in the bedroom, bathroom, and the doctor’s room, but never in the boardroom. To quote Deng Xiaoping, “It doesn’t matter if the cat is black or white, just as long as it catches mice”. So it shouldn’t matter if you are a man or a woman, just as long as you can meet your deliverables.
I come from a traditional Indian family, where I was always told by my mother that good girls should walk with downcast eyes, not argue, nor talk back and worse… don’t walk confidently with your head held high and shoulders pushed back, because then, you are ‘manly’.
I could not become a veterinarian as I wanted to because ‘that’s’ not a job for girls! When I got an offer as a field engineer at Schlumberger, an oil and gas company, - which would have given me the historical privilege of being amongst the first few female field engineers in Malaysia - I was forced to decline, again because ‘that’s not a job for a girl!’
Well, I have kept my head high, and my shoulders pushed back in defiance of all cultural pressures and have done exactly what I have wanted to do. I tell my daughter that she can do anything and everything as long as she has the basic three qualities - intelligence, drive and the ability to work hard - none of which are gender-defined.
So, here I am, completing the Revolution. Only when women empower other women, the Revolution is successful. Men and that damn glass ceiling were never the enemies. We were our own worst enemies, and we have to be our own liberators.
Dato' Beatrice Nirmala,
Editor-in-Chief, PASSIONS
CEO, International Business Review Asia Group.
Women have reached the top of their game and are respected by their peers for what they have achieved. And you know what? Their success have come about, not because they are women and not despite the fact they are, but because who they are. At the end of the day, your gender should only be an issue in the bedroom, bathroom, and the doctor’s room, but never in the boardroom. To quote Deng Xiaoping, “It doesn’t matter if the cat is black or white, just as long as it catches mice”. So it shouldn’t matter if you are a man or a woman, just as long as you can meet your deliverables.
I come from a traditional Indian family, where I was always told by my mother that good girls should walk with downcast eyes, not argue, nor talk back and worse… don’t walk confidently with your head held high and shoulders pushed back, because then, you are ‘manly’.
I could not become a veterinarian as I wanted to because ‘that’s’ not a job for girls! When I got an offer as a field engineer at Schlumberger, an oil and gas company, - which would have given me the historical privilege of being amongst the first few female field engineers in Malaysia - I was forced to decline, again because ‘that’s not a job for a girl!’
Well, I have kept my head high, and my shoulders pushed back in defiance of all cultural pressures and have done exactly what I have wanted to do. I tell my daughter that she can do anything and everything as long as she has the basic three qualities - intelligence, drive and the ability to work hard - none of which are gender-defined.
So, here I am, completing the Revolution. Only when women empower other women, the Revolution is successful. Men and that damn glass ceiling were never the enemies. We were our own worst enemies, and we have to be our own liberators.
Dato' Beatrice Nirmala,
Editor-in-Chief, PASSIONS
CEO, International Business Review Asia Group.
President Obama All for Military Gays
A Civilized Society would be matured enough to respect every individual's civil liberties and human rights. When it comes to this, President Obama is absolutely on right track! A Standing Ovation to President Obama for his bold and proactive move!
(BBC) - The US Congress has moved a step closer to overturning the controversial "don't ask, don't tell" policy on openly gay people serving in the military.
Visitors cheered as the House of Representatives approved measures to change the 1993 law, in an amendment to a defence spending bill.
The vote came hours after the Armed Services Committee in the Senate also approved the change.
The plan now has to be passed by the full Senate before it can become law.
The repeal of the policy would be a major victory for gay rights activists and for President Barack Obama, who has championed the move.
Impact review
The House of Representatives voted 234-194 in favour of changing the law that currently allows gay people to serve in the military only if they hide their sexual orientation.
Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said: "We honour the values of our nation and we close the door on a fundamental unfairness."
"Lawmakers today stood on the right side of history," said Joe Solmonese, of the gay rights group Human Rights Campaign.
Mr Obama said the move would make the military "stronger and more inclusive".
Many Republicans voted against the amendment, saying Congress should postpone the vote until a Pentagon review of the impact of the measure on the armed forces is completed at the end of the year.
The chiefs of the army, navy, air force and marines have also objected on the same grounds.
Republican Senator John McCain, a Vietnam veteran, said: "It's going to be very harmful to the morale and affect the battle effectiveness of our military."
The amendment stipulates that the repeal will not be implemented until after the Pentagon review is completed.
It also says the repeal will not become law until the president, defence secretary and the Joint Chiefs of Staff certify that it will not have a negative impact on the military's effectiveness.
Defence Secretary Robert Gates, who has stated his support for allowing gays openly to serve, said on Tuesday he would have preferred that Congress had waited until after the Pentagon's review.
The amendment is attached to a spending bill which comes up for a final vote in the House on Friday.
While the bill enjoys wide support, some lawmakers have vowed to vote against it if it includes the amendment to repeal the ban.
If it passes that hurdle, the bill will then face a full Senate vote next month.
(BBC) - The US Congress has moved a step closer to overturning the controversial "don't ask, don't tell" policy on openly gay people serving in the military.
Visitors cheered as the House of Representatives approved measures to change the 1993 law, in an amendment to a defence spending bill.
The vote came hours after the Armed Services Committee in the Senate also approved the change.
The plan now has to be passed by the full Senate before it can become law.
The repeal of the policy would be a major victory for gay rights activists and for President Barack Obama, who has championed the move.
Impact review
The House of Representatives voted 234-194 in favour of changing the law that currently allows gay people to serve in the military only if they hide their sexual orientation.
Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said: "We honour the values of our nation and we close the door on a fundamental unfairness."
"Lawmakers today stood on the right side of history," said Joe Solmonese, of the gay rights group Human Rights Campaign.
Mr Obama said the move would make the military "stronger and more inclusive".
Many Republicans voted against the amendment, saying Congress should postpone the vote until a Pentagon review of the impact of the measure on the armed forces is completed at the end of the year.
The chiefs of the army, navy, air force and marines have also objected on the same grounds.
Republican Senator John McCain, a Vietnam veteran, said: "It's going to be very harmful to the morale and affect the battle effectiveness of our military."
The amendment stipulates that the repeal will not be implemented until after the Pentagon review is completed.
It also says the repeal will not become law until the president, defence secretary and the Joint Chiefs of Staff certify that it will not have a negative impact on the military's effectiveness.
Defence Secretary Robert Gates, who has stated his support for allowing gays openly to serve, said on Tuesday he would have preferred that Congress had waited until after the Pentagon's review.
The amendment is attached to a spending bill which comes up for a final vote in the House on Friday.
While the bill enjoys wide support, some lawmakers have vowed to vote against it if it includes the amendment to repeal the ban.
If it passes that hurdle, the bill will then face a full Senate vote next month.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Pink Dollar a boost in dire times
All i can say is, The Pink Dollar significantly contributes and cushions the economy, Singapore has long recognized this and so has many other countries. As President Bill Clinton mentioned during his early days in His Oval Office; "It's about the Economy, Stupid!"
CNN-Beefcake’s restaurant in Cape Town is the kind of place where pink feather boas and waiters wearing bunny ears are more than welcome. The burger bar is a gay-friendly eating spot that also welcomes straight people. It’s situated in the heart of the city, which is regarded as the gay capital of Africa.
Over the past eighteen months, the city’s gay tourists have helped buffer the effects of the global economic downturn, says Mariette du Toit Hembold, the CEO of Cape Town Tourism.
She told us on a recent trip to Cape Town that the gay travelers are a "market that travels and is recession proof. The gay market travels regardless of world circumstances; it’s a high yield traveler. The spend per visitor is extremely good. Also, it is a traveler that is not as seasonal as other visitors are."
So while the ‘gay scene’ isn’t as big as it is in Sydney or San Francisco, some in the Cape Town hospitality industry do cater for an exclusive gay clientele. For example, the Glen hotel in Seapoint is a gay-only hotel and the owners are building extra rooms because business has been so good.
Also, during the summer, thousands of gay partygoers dress up in outrageous costumes for the Mother City Queer Project, which is regarded as THE party of the year by many in the gay community.
The property industry has also benefited from wealthy gay visitors – mostly from Europe – who buy second homes in sunny South Africa.
In some areas like De Waterkant, almost 50 to 60 percent of the residential properties are owned by foreign gay men, says estate agent Petrick Fourie of Leapfrog Properties.
One of his clients is Andy Mattar, a British man who has lived in South Africa for eight years. He is trying to sell his De Waterkant house for $1.1 million and is acutely aware that he and his partner have far more disposable income than straight families. No school fees or other family commitments to worry about, he says.
Cape Town is already a prime destination for wealthy gay men from Britain, Germany and the Netherlands. Now Cape Town tourism is trying to get more gay people from elsewhere in the world to visit South Africa. This is important for the local economy because tourism is down 43 percent from last year, says Mariette du Toit Hembold.
So ‘pink pounds’ or ‘pink dollars’ are welcomed by the hospitality industry, which is still facing some tough times as the global travel industry still struggles with the effects of the economic meltdown.
Posted by: CNN Correspondent, Robyn Curnow
Filed under: Business •Marketplace Africa
CNN-Beefcake’s restaurant in Cape Town is the kind of place where pink feather boas and waiters wearing bunny ears are more than welcome. The burger bar is a gay-friendly eating spot that also welcomes straight people. It’s situated in the heart of the city, which is regarded as the gay capital of Africa.
Over the past eighteen months, the city’s gay tourists have helped buffer the effects of the global economic downturn, says Mariette du Toit Hembold, the CEO of Cape Town Tourism.
She told us on a recent trip to Cape Town that the gay travelers are a "market that travels and is recession proof. The gay market travels regardless of world circumstances; it’s a high yield traveler. The spend per visitor is extremely good. Also, it is a traveler that is not as seasonal as other visitors are."
So while the ‘gay scene’ isn’t as big as it is in Sydney or San Francisco, some in the Cape Town hospitality industry do cater for an exclusive gay clientele. For example, the Glen hotel in Seapoint is a gay-only hotel and the owners are building extra rooms because business has been so good.
Also, during the summer, thousands of gay partygoers dress up in outrageous costumes for the Mother City Queer Project, which is regarded as THE party of the year by many in the gay community.
The property industry has also benefited from wealthy gay visitors – mostly from Europe – who buy second homes in sunny South Africa.
In some areas like De Waterkant, almost 50 to 60 percent of the residential properties are owned by foreign gay men, says estate agent Petrick Fourie of Leapfrog Properties.
One of his clients is Andy Mattar, a British man who has lived in South Africa for eight years. He is trying to sell his De Waterkant house for $1.1 million and is acutely aware that he and his partner have far more disposable income than straight families. No school fees or other family commitments to worry about, he says.
Cape Town is already a prime destination for wealthy gay men from Britain, Germany and the Netherlands. Now Cape Town tourism is trying to get more gay people from elsewhere in the world to visit South Africa. This is important for the local economy because tourism is down 43 percent from last year, says Mariette du Toit Hembold.
So ‘pink pounds’ or ‘pink dollars’ are welcomed by the hospitality industry, which is still facing some tough times as the global travel industry still struggles with the effects of the economic meltdown.
Posted by: CNN Correspondent, Robyn Curnow
Filed under: Business •Marketplace Africa
Cameron focuses on the economy
What i see in Cameron is, He's Clearly a Leader of Calibre!
"The decisions we make now will live with us for decades to come. For many years we have been heading in the wrong direction"- PM David Cameron.
The British Cabinet; http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8675705.stm
(BBC) - David Cameron is outlining plans to "transform" the economy in his first major speech as prime minister.
Mr Cameron, speaking at an event in Yorkshire, will claim the economy has been heading in the wrong direction under Labour for years.
He also said the economy should be rebalanced in favour of manufacturing, business and the private sector.
He told GMTV critics of a planned rise in capital gains tax (CGT) should "calm down a bit and wait for the Budget".
Some of his own senior Tory MPs have attacked the planned rise on non-business CGT - which could see taxes on the profits of second home and other asset sales more than double to 40% or 50% - as a tax on the middle classes.
'Be calm'
But Mr Cameron urged them to wait for the Budget. He told GMTV: "People don't yet know what our proposals are. Everyone's getting a bit ahead of themselves on this issue."
He added: "We have to be calm about this because in a coalition there are inevitably going to be arguments and discussions about tax policy and other policies. And sometimes these will happen much more in the open than in the past."
On Thursday Lib Dem Business Secretary Vince Cable insisted the coalition government was not split over the planned CGT rise - adding it would help fulfil the Lib Dem aim of bringing more "fairness" to the tax system.
He told the BBC: "It's very important that we have wealth taxed in the same way as income."
In his speech on Friday Mr Cameron stressed the need to cut the £156bn deficit and get people back into work.
Spending cuts
He said that his government intended to spread economic growth across regions and industries and end the "inevitability" of millions on long-term welfare.
Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has said Britain's welfare system is "trapping" poor people in poverty.
Mr Cameron argued that the economy has become too dependent on the public sector, over-focused on the City at the expense of manufacturing, and with too many people reliant on welfare.
But although he set out his longer term aspirations, the issue of potential tax rises and spending cuts are not expected to be mentioned until the Budget next month.
In his speech, Mr Cameron said the country was at a "turning point".
"The decisions we make now will live with us for decades to come. For many years we have been heading in the wrong direction," he said.
"Our economy has become more and more unbalanced, with our fortunes hitched to a few industries in one corner of the country, while we let other sectors like manufacturing slide.
"It has become over-reliant on welfare, with mass worklessness accepted as a fact of life and around five million people now on out-of-work benefits.
"It has become increasingly hostile to enterprise, with business investment in the past decade growing at around 1% each year - only a quarter of what it was the decade before.
"It has become far too dependent on the public sector, with over half of all jobs created in the last 10 years associated in some way with public spending."
(BBC) - David Cameron is outlining plans to "transform" the economy in his first major speech as prime minister.
Mr Cameron, speaking at an event in Yorkshire, will claim the economy has been heading in the wrong direction under Labour for years.
He also said the economy should be rebalanced in favour of manufacturing, business and the private sector.
He told GMTV critics of a planned rise in capital gains tax (CGT) should "calm down a bit and wait for the Budget".
Some of his own senior Tory MPs have attacked the planned rise on non-business CGT - which could see taxes on the profits of second home and other asset sales more than double to 40% or 50% - as a tax on the middle classes.
'Be calm'
But Mr Cameron urged them to wait for the Budget. He told GMTV: "People don't yet know what our proposals are. Everyone's getting a bit ahead of themselves on this issue."
He added: "We have to be calm about this because in a coalition there are inevitably going to be arguments and discussions about tax policy and other policies. And sometimes these will happen much more in the open than in the past."
On Thursday Lib Dem Business Secretary Vince Cable insisted the coalition government was not split over the planned CGT rise - adding it would help fulfil the Lib Dem aim of bringing more "fairness" to the tax system.
He told the BBC: "It's very important that we have wealth taxed in the same way as income."
In his speech on Friday Mr Cameron stressed the need to cut the £156bn deficit and get people back into work.
Spending cuts
He said that his government intended to spread economic growth across regions and industries and end the "inevitability" of millions on long-term welfare.
Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has said Britain's welfare system is "trapping" poor people in poverty.
Mr Cameron argued that the economy has become too dependent on the public sector, over-focused on the City at the expense of manufacturing, and with too many people reliant on welfare.
But although he set out his longer term aspirations, the issue of potential tax rises and spending cuts are not expected to be mentioned until the Budget next month.
In his speech, Mr Cameron said the country was at a "turning point".
"The decisions we make now will live with us for decades to come. For many years we have been heading in the wrong direction," he said.
"Our economy has become more and more unbalanced, with our fortunes hitched to a few industries in one corner of the country, while we let other sectors like manufacturing slide.
"It has become over-reliant on welfare, with mass worklessness accepted as a fact of life and around five million people now on out-of-work benefits.
"It has become increasingly hostile to enterprise, with business investment in the past decade growing at around 1% each year - only a quarter of what it was the decade before.
"It has become far too dependent on the public sector, with over half of all jobs created in the last 10 years associated in some way with public spending."
President Obama fading miserably
President Obama caught world attention when he ran for Presidency two years ago, his fan list was rapid growing within the US and internationally. People were more impressed with his appearance and the fact that he's black on one side, forgetting that he is white on his mother's side. There was Thunderous cheers and growing popularity that favoured him which saw him to the White House today. My question is simple, how significant a leader is he today? I am personally very disappointed, not that i was an Obama supporter but i felt that maybe his coming into power would bring positive change but what i see today is a leader who hardly makes world headlines, a leader who doesn't seem to be making any positive changes and a leader that seems very mediocre.
In short, i find that his role as President of The United States seems very ineffective for a world power. He's not at centre stage at all! This is utterly disappointing. Where are all the heaps of changes which he promised during the presidential campaigns? Good PR saw him to the White House but Good PR has her limits, you need to be seen as effective, bold, strong and confident taking centre stage. I'm sorry, he has failed thus far. The US cannot afford a leader of this kind to govern for too long. If he seeks second term, it would definately be a tuff one. A pretty face and good PR has her limits.
As we get into the second half of 2010, it's getting clearer that Obama's position is at huge question. The world needs a leader, not a Pope! As i felt from the very beginning and i still feel today, Secretary Of State Hillary Rodham Clinton befits the demanding role of President of The United States Of America. Well, Her resume and calibre far bypasses Obama's and she has proven to walk her talk, she's been shinning brightly as the Secretary of State. She has been working on centre stage, Her brilliance and political 'know how's' overshadows Obama's and she clearly shines forth at world stage! She is definately the woman who has what it takes to lead a world super power.
My Prayers and Support go out to Hillary Rodham Clinton, She befits Presidency, She befits The White House. I hope she stands for Presidency in the next Presidential run, i see no need whatsoever to grant Obama a second term unless he proves otherwise.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Morocco Gives Grand Welcome to Sir Elton John
The King Of Morocco has stood up with maturity together with His clear thinking subjects in giving a grand welcome to Sir Elton John, all feudalistic protest by some Islamic fundamentalist were ignored by His Majesty and His Royal Highness's Subjects who share His maturity, exposure & Civics.
Sir Elton John gave his best as usual, his fans were thrilled beyond words! A Standing Ovation to Sir Elton John & Congratulations to His Majesty and His Subjects for ignoring feudalistic Muslims!
RABAT (Reuters) - Singer Elton John defied hostile Islamists to headline Morocco's biggest music festival on Wednesday night and received a rapturous welcome from a crowd of thousands.
Politicians from the opposition Islamist PJD party said the gay British star was not welcome in the conservative north African kingdom and that granting him such a profile would tarnish Morocco's image.
Organisers said the singer's private life was irrelevant and went ahead with the show, the highlight of the week-long Mawazine World Rhythms festival that has become the cultural showpiece of Morocco's secular-leaning monarchy.
Mounted police and dozens of security staff were on duty but there was no hint of any disturbances or protests, and the performer himself made no mention of the dispute surrounding his presence in Morocco.
"God bless you all... God bless Morocco," the singer said as the concert, lasting almost three hours, wound down.
Organisers said 40,000 people attended the show though Reuters estimates suggested there were fewer.
The 63-year-old star appeared to have toned down his outfit for the occasion, swapping his flamboyant trademark colored spectacles for a pair of cool shades and black coat-tails with a multicolored splash on the sleeve, albeit with a scarlet shirt.
John, an outspoken critic of homophobia and an anti-AIDS campaigner, said very little beside thanking King Mohammed and the people of Morocco, telling the crowd how much he was enjoying himself and introducing the band. Continued...
The audience joined in with hits "I'm Still Standing" and "Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word" while a hushed reverence descended with the first bars of "Candle in the Wind."
Hundreds of people paid 600 Moroccan dirhams ($67) for a ticket. "It's magical, just magical," said Houda Sefriou, a 48-year-old housewife.
Sir Elton John gave his best as usual, his fans were thrilled beyond words! A Standing Ovation to Sir Elton John & Congratulations to His Majesty and His Subjects for ignoring feudalistic Muslims!
RABAT (Reuters) - Singer Elton John defied hostile Islamists to headline Morocco's biggest music festival on Wednesday night and received a rapturous welcome from a crowd of thousands.
Politicians from the opposition Islamist PJD party said the gay British star was not welcome in the conservative north African kingdom and that granting him such a profile would tarnish Morocco's image.
Organisers said the singer's private life was irrelevant and went ahead with the show, the highlight of the week-long Mawazine World Rhythms festival that has become the cultural showpiece of Morocco's secular-leaning monarchy.
Mounted police and dozens of security staff were on duty but there was no hint of any disturbances or protests, and the performer himself made no mention of the dispute surrounding his presence in Morocco.
"God bless you all... God bless Morocco," the singer said as the concert, lasting almost three hours, wound down.
Organisers said 40,000 people attended the show though Reuters estimates suggested there were fewer.
The 63-year-old star appeared to have toned down his outfit for the occasion, swapping his flamboyant trademark colored spectacles for a pair of cool shades and black coat-tails with a multicolored splash on the sleeve, albeit with a scarlet shirt.
John, an outspoken critic of homophobia and an anti-AIDS campaigner, said very little beside thanking King Mohammed and the people of Morocco, telling the crowd how much he was enjoying himself and introducing the band. Continued...
The audience joined in with hits "I'm Still Standing" and "Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word" while a hushed reverence descended with the first bars of "Candle in the Wind."
Hundreds of people paid 600 Moroccan dirhams ($67) for a ticket. "It's magical, just magical," said Houda Sefriou, a 48-year-old housewife.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Thaksin Shinawatra The Mastermind
Thaksin Shinawatra is in dire need of collapsing the current government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva simply because he needs to get his wife released from prison since she was imprisoned for massive corruption, the only option he has is to build up on his lust for power to take over the premiership once again.
With this aim in mind, he has successfully exploited his 'red shirt' supporters to cause violence and destruction to Thailand which saw cold bloodshed coupled with barbaric destruction amounting to billions! He will not give up until the government collapses while forcing current Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva out from office and into exile. The worst has yet to come!
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/05/25/thailand.protests/index.html
With this aim in mind, he has successfully exploited his 'red shirt' supporters to cause violence and destruction to Thailand which saw cold bloodshed coupled with barbaric destruction amounting to billions! He will not give up until the government collapses while forcing current Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva out from office and into exile. The worst has yet to come!
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/05/25/thailand.protests/index.html
Queen Opens New British Parliament
"My government will propose parliamentary and political reform to restore trust in democratic institutions and rebalance the relationship between the citizen and the state," the queen announced.
Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth's speech on the policies of her new government puts to rest many pending issue especially those pertaining to the sluggish economy and the freedom of movement by EU member countries.
Her Majesty has stressed that priority will be given to recovering the economy, education, the police force, welfare services and most importantly a new restriction on migration of EU citizens, an annual limitation has been imposed. I must say that this is most certainly the right move ahead for Britain as She suffers in dire need for reform.
(BBC) - Major plans to reform schools, police, welfare and Britain's political system are at the heart of the coalition government's first Queen's Speech.
But the Queen said cutting the budget deficit and restoring growth would be the new government's "first priority".
The 22 Bills set out in detail what Prime Minister David Cameron hopes to achieve over the next 18 months.
The programme reflects compromises reached by the Conservatives and Lib Dems when they agreed to share power.
Unveiling the proposals in the House of Lords, amid the traditional pomp and pageantry, the Queen said: "My government's legislative programme will be based upon the principles of freedom, fairness and responsibility.
"The first priority is to reduce the deficit and restore economic growth."
It is the 56th time that the Queen has opened a new session of Parliament during her reign - and the first time in 14 years that she has outlined a Conservative-led programme for government, albeit one that has been drawn up in partnership with the Liberal Democrats following their coalition agreement.
Schools reform
It comes a day after the government revealed the details of plans to cut £6.2bn in spending this year.
There were few surprises in the 22 Bills and one draft Bill, which had been widely leaked to newspapers.
Flagship measures include scrapping ID cards and the next generation of biometric passports and a Freedom (Great Repeal) Bill - regulating the retention of DNA and the use of CCTV cameras among other measures.
The Queen's Speech includes a bill to extend Labour's academy school programme in England and make it easier for parents and other groups to set up "free schools" outside of state control.
A second bill in the autumn will give schools in England greater freedom over the curriculum, give teachers greater powers to deal with bad behaviour and give head teachers more freedom over how their schools are run. It will also establish a "pupil premium", one of the Lib Dems' flagship policies, to improve schooling for children from the most deprived backgrounds.
BBC deputy political editor James Landale said there had been "a certain amount of confusion" about the new government's flagship education policy ahead of the Queen's Speech, because ministers had yet to work out how much primary legislation was needed.
A Welfare Reform Bill is promised to simplify the benefits system, and the state pension age could be increased to 66 sooner than the present 2024 timetable as part of measures to pay for restoring the link between state pensions and earnings.
There will also be a bill to strengthen financial regulation.
Equal pay
There is also a potentially controversial bill to part-privatise the Royal Mail and legislation to allow elected police chiefs in England and Wales and create a dedicated border force as part of a "refocused" Serious and Organised Crime Agency.
The sale of alcohol below cost price would also be banned under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill, and councils and police would be given greater powers to close down trouble-making clubs and bars. The Bill would not apply in Scotland.
There are also proposals to place an annual limit on non-EU immigration, which does not need primary legislation, and plans to "remove barriers to flexible working and promote equal pay".
"My government will seek to build a strong and fair society by reforming public services and encouraging individual social responsibility," said the Queen, as she outlined this part of the government's programme.
There are also pledges to slash the number of quangos and cut bureaucracy to save £1bn a year.
One of the most complex and controversial bills covers parliamentary reform, a subject on which all parties agree action is needed after last year's expenses scandal.
As well as giving the public the right to throw out corrupt MPs between elections, it will legislate for a referendum on changing how MPs are elected from the current first-past-the-post system to the Alternative Vote method.
Debate
This was a central Liberal Democrat demand in their negotiations on forming a government.
Plans for fixed-term five-year Parliaments - including a controversial clause requiring 55% of MPs to vote to back the dissolution of Parliament - have also been announced.
But House of Lords reform has been sidelined to a committee reporting back by the end of the year.
Other plans include the restoration of the link between the state pension and earnings and a referendum on any treaty proposing more powers for the EU.
The packed programme for government reflects the fact that this Queen's Speech programme will run until autumn 2011, rather than the usual 12 months, because of the general election.
Mr Cameron will now begin several days of debate in the Commons over the plans.
Acting Labour leader Harriet Harman will respond for the opposition in what will be their first clash across the despatch box.
Former foreign secretary and Labour leadership contender David Miliband said the Queen's Speech had a "severe absence of any detail".
But he said Monday's announcements by Chancellor George Osborne were more significant as they included cuts to the number of university places and the Future Jobs Fund for the young unemployed.
He told BBC Radio 4's World this contradicted the assurances given by David Cameron during the election campaign that he was only concerned with "cutting waste" - and was the "big lie" at the heart of the government's programme.
He also attacked plans to change the way MPs can vote for a dissolution of parliament and said there was a "big hole on European policy" under the new government.
Public sector union Unison has warned the plans would undermine vital public services by opening them up to greater private sector involvement.
General secretary Dave Prentis said: "The plans set out in this dismal Queen's Speech spell danger for public services, and for economic growth and offer little hope to either the young or long-term jobless."
Angus Robertson for the Scottish National Party told the BBC there was much in the speech the SNP would welcome - like a pledge to implement the Calman Commission recommendations on Scottish devolution and the scrapping of ID cards. But he said: "As ever - the government health warning - we have to wait for the details."
Plaid Cymru's Westminster leader Elfyn Llwyd welcomed plans for a referendum on more law making powers for the Welsh Assembly and said it should be brought in without further delay.
Caroline Lucas, the first Green MP at Westminster, dismissed the Queen's Speech as a "pack of half-hearted measures".
The Queen's Speech will be followed on Wednesday by the first Prime Minister's Questions of the new parliamentary session and by the government's emergency budget on 22 June. Watch CNN's Video Report On Queen's Speech at The Grand Opening Of Parliament;
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/05/25/britain.queen.speech/index.html?hpt=Sbin
But the Queen said cutting the budget deficit and restoring growth would be the new government's "first priority".
The 22 Bills set out in detail what Prime Minister David Cameron hopes to achieve over the next 18 months.
The programme reflects compromises reached by the Conservatives and Lib Dems when they agreed to share power.
Unveiling the proposals in the House of Lords, amid the traditional pomp and pageantry, the Queen said: "My government's legislative programme will be based upon the principles of freedom, fairness and responsibility.
"The first priority is to reduce the deficit and restore economic growth."
It is the 56th time that the Queen has opened a new session of Parliament during her reign - and the first time in 14 years that she has outlined a Conservative-led programme for government, albeit one that has been drawn up in partnership with the Liberal Democrats following their coalition agreement.
Schools reform
It comes a day after the government revealed the details of plans to cut £6.2bn in spending this year.
There were few surprises in the 22 Bills and one draft Bill, which had been widely leaked to newspapers.
Flagship measures include scrapping ID cards and the next generation of biometric passports and a Freedom (Great Repeal) Bill - regulating the retention of DNA and the use of CCTV cameras among other measures.
The Queen's Speech includes a bill to extend Labour's academy school programme in England and make it easier for parents and other groups to set up "free schools" outside of state control.
A second bill in the autumn will give schools in England greater freedom over the curriculum, give teachers greater powers to deal with bad behaviour and give head teachers more freedom over how their schools are run. It will also establish a "pupil premium", one of the Lib Dems' flagship policies, to improve schooling for children from the most deprived backgrounds.
BBC deputy political editor James Landale said there had been "a certain amount of confusion" about the new government's flagship education policy ahead of the Queen's Speech, because ministers had yet to work out how much primary legislation was needed.
A Welfare Reform Bill is promised to simplify the benefits system, and the state pension age could be increased to 66 sooner than the present 2024 timetable as part of measures to pay for restoring the link between state pensions and earnings.
There will also be a bill to strengthen financial regulation.
Equal pay
There is also a potentially controversial bill to part-privatise the Royal Mail and legislation to allow elected police chiefs in England and Wales and create a dedicated border force as part of a "refocused" Serious and Organised Crime Agency.
The sale of alcohol below cost price would also be banned under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill, and councils and police would be given greater powers to close down trouble-making clubs and bars. The Bill would not apply in Scotland.
There are also proposals to place an annual limit on non-EU immigration, which does not need primary legislation, and plans to "remove barriers to flexible working and promote equal pay".
"My government will seek to build a strong and fair society by reforming public services and encouraging individual social responsibility," said the Queen, as she outlined this part of the government's programme.
There are also pledges to slash the number of quangos and cut bureaucracy to save £1bn a year.
One of the most complex and controversial bills covers parliamentary reform, a subject on which all parties agree action is needed after last year's expenses scandal.
As well as giving the public the right to throw out corrupt MPs between elections, it will legislate for a referendum on changing how MPs are elected from the current first-past-the-post system to the Alternative Vote method.
Debate
This was a central Liberal Democrat demand in their negotiations on forming a government.
Plans for fixed-term five-year Parliaments - including a controversial clause requiring 55% of MPs to vote to back the dissolution of Parliament - have also been announced.
But House of Lords reform has been sidelined to a committee reporting back by the end of the year.
Other plans include the restoration of the link between the state pension and earnings and a referendum on any treaty proposing more powers for the EU.
The packed programme for government reflects the fact that this Queen's Speech programme will run until autumn 2011, rather than the usual 12 months, because of the general election.
Mr Cameron will now begin several days of debate in the Commons over the plans.
Acting Labour leader Harriet Harman will respond for the opposition in what will be their first clash across the despatch box.
Former foreign secretary and Labour leadership contender David Miliband said the Queen's Speech had a "severe absence of any detail".
But he said Monday's announcements by Chancellor George Osborne were more significant as they included cuts to the number of university places and the Future Jobs Fund for the young unemployed.
He told BBC Radio 4's World this contradicted the assurances given by David Cameron during the election campaign that he was only concerned with "cutting waste" - and was the "big lie" at the heart of the government's programme.
He also attacked plans to change the way MPs can vote for a dissolution of parliament and said there was a "big hole on European policy" under the new government.
Public sector union Unison has warned the plans would undermine vital public services by opening them up to greater private sector involvement.
General secretary Dave Prentis said: "The plans set out in this dismal Queen's Speech spell danger for public services, and for economic growth and offer little hope to either the young or long-term jobless."
Angus Robertson for the Scottish National Party told the BBC there was much in the speech the SNP would welcome - like a pledge to implement the Calman Commission recommendations on Scottish devolution and the scrapping of ID cards. But he said: "As ever - the government health warning - we have to wait for the details."
Plaid Cymru's Westminster leader Elfyn Llwyd welcomed plans for a referendum on more law making powers for the Welsh Assembly and said it should be brought in without further delay.
Caroline Lucas, the first Green MP at Westminster, dismissed the Queen's Speech as a "pack of half-hearted measures".
The Queen's Speech will be followed on Wednesday by the first Prime Minister's Questions of the new parliamentary session and by the government's emergency budget on 22 June. Watch CNN's Video Report On Queen's Speech at The Grand Opening Of Parliament;
Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, Minister
At 36, Baroness Warsi made history when she was appointed into the House Of Lords. Today at 39, She is Britain's first ever female Muslim Minister, a clear thinking one coupled with brilliance and calibre. Congratulations Baroness!
(CNN) -- Chalk up another "first" for the new British government. Not only does it have the youngest prime minister in almost 200 years and the first peacetime coalition government in nearly 70, it has the first Muslim woman to be a full member of the Cabinet.
She's Sayeeda Warsi, a Conservative who was named minister without portfolio.
It's not immediately clear what her responsibilities will be, a spokesman for the government said.
In opposition, she was the Conservatives' point person on "community cohesion and social action."
UK Cabinet agrees pay cut
Not yet 40 years old, she's also just been appointed chairman of the Conservative Party.
Warsi was also the politician the party put forward to take on far-right politician Nick Griffin, leader of the British National Party, last year.
She clashed with Griffin and mainstream politicians on "Question Time," the BBC's flagship political discussion program, in October.
She blasted him as a "thoroughly, thoroughly deceptive man" who "demonizes Islam, just as he demonizes Christianity."
"Mr. Griffin here preaches extremism in the name of Christianity and brings that faith into disrepute as well," she said.
Having stood up to the white far right in London, she came under attack a month later by protesters who threw eggs at her in the town of Luton, north of London.
Press reports at the time said the protesters accused her of not being a proper Muslim and of supporting the death of Muslims in Afghanistan.
She was hit by two eggs but not hurt, the Daily Telegraph newspaper reported.
On her Web site, she names her proudest political achievement as securing the release of a British teacher from jail in Sudan when the woman was accused of insulting religion.
Gillian Gibbons had been accused of allowing her students to name a teddy bear "Muhammad." Warsi and Lord Nazir Ahmed flew in to negotiate her release.
A trained lawyer from Dewsbury in northeast England, Warsi also lists herself as a campaigner on racial justice, forced marriages and prison conditions.
(CNN) -- Chalk up another "first" for the new British government. Not only does it have the youngest prime minister in almost 200 years and the first peacetime coalition government in nearly 70, it has the first Muslim woman to be a full member of the Cabinet.
She's Sayeeda Warsi, a Conservative who was named minister without portfolio.
It's not immediately clear what her responsibilities will be, a spokesman for the government said.
In opposition, she was the Conservatives' point person on "community cohesion and social action."
UK Cabinet agrees pay cut
Not yet 40 years old, she's also just been appointed chairman of the Conservative Party.
Warsi was also the politician the party put forward to take on far-right politician Nick Griffin, leader of the British National Party, last year.
She clashed with Griffin and mainstream politicians on "Question Time," the BBC's flagship political discussion program, in October.
She blasted him as a "thoroughly, thoroughly deceptive man" who "demonizes Islam, just as he demonizes Christianity."
"Mr. Griffin here preaches extremism in the name of Christianity and brings that faith into disrepute as well," she said.
Having stood up to the white far right in London, she came under attack a month later by protesters who threw eggs at her in the town of Luton, north of London.
Press reports at the time said the protesters accused her of not being a proper Muslim and of supporting the death of Muslims in Afghanistan.
She was hit by two eggs but not hurt, the Daily Telegraph newspaper reported.
On her Web site, she names her proudest political achievement as securing the release of a British teacher from jail in Sudan when the woman was accused of insulting religion.
Gillian Gibbons had been accused of allowing her students to name a teddy bear "Muhammad." Warsi and Lord Nazir Ahmed flew in to negotiate her release.
A trained lawyer from Dewsbury in northeast England, Warsi also lists herself as a campaigner on racial justice, forced marriages and prison conditions.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Heir to Tony Blair
It's recovery time for Labour to reconnect with her supporters and the people of Britain. I strongly believe that the Miliband brothers can win back Labour's popularity. Both David and Ed Miliband have been Ministers in Labour's government. However, David would best fill the shoes as Labour's new leader and future Prime Minister of Britain.
Well, David is more qualified to take over Labour and fill the shoes of Britain's Prime Minister simply because he has extensive experience and exposure in Foreign affairs due to his years of Britain's illustrious Minister of Foreign Affairs. He's a known and respected figure within and outside Britain. He's definately the sole heir to Tony Blair! And yes, the best candidate to win back Labour with a two third's majority in parliament. Should he be elected in as Labour's new leader, he will be one of the greatest threat to Prime Minister David Cameron.
Well, David is more qualified to take over Labour and fill the shoes of Britain's Prime Minister simply because he has extensive experience and exposure in Foreign affairs due to his years of Britain's illustrious Minister of Foreign Affairs. He's a known and respected figure within and outside Britain. He's definately the sole heir to Tony Blair! And yes, the best candidate to win back Labour with a two third's majority in parliament. Should he be elected in as Labour's new leader, he will be one of the greatest threat to Prime Minister David Cameron.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
David Cameron moving on towards 'New Tory"
Since taking over Number 10, Prime Minister David Cameron has made huge shifts from traditional Tories. He is trying as far as possible to get down to the people and experience their daily experiences. He is proving to be 'New Tory' who have parted from what Tories used to be, his government has taken significant steps to appear as a 'People's Government'.
It's sure no joke running a government with a hung parliament but he is seen to be working very hard towards the betterment of the UK and her people. Much has to be done especially the economy and certain EU agreements in the past which has not gone down well with the British public. He will faced must obstacles especially when Labour's gets their new leader soon and David Miliband is seen as the most favoured to lead Labour and drive her back to victory.
I believe that David Miliband would be one of the greatest threats to David Cameron's reign at Number 10. The future is yet unknown but it's definately not going to be a smooth journey for David Cameron. The people's expectations and demands on him are much higher while he faces Labour in parliament. As for now, the British Pound is steadily slipping and it's doesn't show any positive signs ahead.
BBC - Downing Street has described as "ridiculous" suggestions David Cameron is risking his safety after being photographed walking to work.
The prime minister has decided to dispense with motorcycle outriders for his official car and was pictured walking between government buildings.
A spokeswoman at Number 10 said there was "very high security" at all times.
She said the new PM is conscious of security and "would not take wild risks".
She added: "The prime minister does try to get outside when he can, but wouldn't do something which would endanger his safety."
Mr Cameron was photographed last week in his official car, stuck in traffic and without police motorcycle outriders, and walking in Westminster surrounded by tourists.
Downing Street said he would cope with traffic as the public do, but outriders may be used for occasions such as state visits, or amid security concerns.
At the time, Andy Hayman, the former head of anti-terrorism at Scotland Yard, said the decision is misguided.
Last week he told the BBC Radio 4 he understood the prime minister "wants to have no fuss", but the outriders were needed in the event of an attack so that they could get him away from the scene quickly.
The prime minister has decided to dispense with motorcycle outriders for his official car and was pictured walking between government buildings.
A spokeswoman at Number 10 said there was "very high security" at all times.
She said the new PM is conscious of security and "would not take wild risks".
She added: "The prime minister does try to get outside when he can, but wouldn't do something which would endanger his safety."
Mr Cameron was photographed last week in his official car, stuck in traffic and without police motorcycle outriders, and walking in Westminster surrounded by tourists.
Downing Street said he would cope with traffic as the public do, but outriders may be used for occasions such as state visits, or amid security concerns.
At the time, Andy Hayman, the former head of anti-terrorism at Scotland Yard, said the decision is misguided.
Last week he told the BBC Radio 4 he understood the prime minister "wants to have no fuss", but the outriders were needed in the event of an attack so that they could get him away from the scene quickly.
The Humble Simon Cowell
Life is about a journey of neverending learning and soul searching. Simon Cowell has caught my attention by his ability to humble himself and admit that Susan Boyle tought him a very good lesson in his long and illustrious career. This only shows us how small are we in God's eyes, each one of us are blessed with the same brains but with different talents and capabilities. Each of of us are jewels in our own right and we are looked upon equally in God's eyes...
CNN - The deceptively acerbic “American Idol” judge and super-producer told Oprah Winfrey Thursday that he'd grown as much as he could with "Idol," and he'd always wanted to leave before he would be asked to.
“I’m leaving for the same reasons you left,” Cowell told the Chicago host, who announced her decision to pull the plug on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” last November. “You just know that time’s up. I remember the first year when we did this, and it was like an adventure, and I loved not knowing if it would be successful, and the buzz...we were kind of making it up every week.”
But there comes a point, Cowell said, when “you go on automatic pilot, and there were too many times I was sitting there bored. I can’t hide it when I’m bored. And I thought, the audience deserves more than to tune in, and I’m bored.”
As a result, “Idol” will have to soldier on without one of it’s star judges. But who could ever replace Simon? Hopefully, he told Winfrey, someone who actually knows what they’re talking about.
A couple of weeks ago I remember we were arguing and kidding around on the panel, and I remember thinking at that point, ‘It’s too much about the judges at the moment, and we’ve forgotten what the contestants go through,’ ” Cowell said. “I think primarily you have to have someone who knows what they’re talking about…Someone who knows how to pick talent. If we were judging the ice-skating Olympics you wouldn’t have someone on there who’s obnoxious.”
And as “obnoxious” as Cowell may have been at times, despite all of that, he knows he can spot a star. Although, in all honesty, he has his moments where he misjudges a book by its cover.
“Susan Boyle, if I’m being honest with you, the second I saw her come out I was like, ‘oh here we go,' " Cowell admitted. “I wasn’t really listening to her answers, and then she started to sing and I thought ‘oh my God, we got this all wrong’…. We’re all sneering, we’re not listening to people [and] we’re judging everybody; I didn’t like what I saw in myself. I was happy she made us look stupid, because we deserved it.”
Just because he’s out of “Idol” doesn’t mean Cowell has lost the taste for talent competitions; he’s bringing a British sensation to our shores with “X Factor” – which, yes, will be in competition with “Idol.”
" 'Idol' is our competition, but so is everything, [like] ‘Dancing with the Stars’ …everything that’s popular,” Cowell said. “X Factor” will be a standout “because there’s no upper-age limit,” he added. “We thought it could be like David vs. Goliath, where a 16-year-old could be competing against a 35-year-old. I have no idea if it’ll succeed, but I’ll boil it down to whether or not we can find a star, and I’m confident that we can find a star.”
Cowell’s workaholic tendencies do make him a bit difficult to live with, he told Winfrey, and as a result have taken a toll on his ability to stay in a relationship. The problem isn’t so much what he's looking for, he said, but what his significant other may want. “I never genuinely believed anyone would want to marry me because I’m difficult to live with. I’m selfish, quite weird and I need time on my own to think and I work all night long,” he said.
Yet despite his oddities, Cowell has found happiness with makeup artist Mezhgan Hussainy.
“It’s good, because I’ve never been very good at relationships to be honest with you,” he told Winfrey. “I’ve been friends with all my exes so that’s worked well. But I never thought I would be with one person, and now I think I will.”
CNN - The deceptively acerbic “American Idol” judge and super-producer told Oprah Winfrey Thursday that he'd grown as much as he could with "Idol," and he'd always wanted to leave before he would be asked to.
“I’m leaving for the same reasons you left,” Cowell told the Chicago host, who announced her decision to pull the plug on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” last November. “You just know that time’s up. I remember the first year when we did this, and it was like an adventure, and I loved not knowing if it would be successful, and the buzz...we were kind of making it up every week.”
But there comes a point, Cowell said, when “you go on automatic pilot, and there were too many times I was sitting there bored. I can’t hide it when I’m bored. And I thought, the audience deserves more than to tune in, and I’m bored.”
As a result, “Idol” will have to soldier on without one of it’s star judges. But who could ever replace Simon? Hopefully, he told Winfrey, someone who actually knows what they’re talking about.
A couple of weeks ago I remember we were arguing and kidding around on the panel, and I remember thinking at that point, ‘It’s too much about the judges at the moment, and we’ve forgotten what the contestants go through,’ ” Cowell said. “I think primarily you have to have someone who knows what they’re talking about…Someone who knows how to pick talent. If we were judging the ice-skating Olympics you wouldn’t have someone on there who’s obnoxious.”
And as “obnoxious” as Cowell may have been at times, despite all of that, he knows he can spot a star. Although, in all honesty, he has his moments where he misjudges a book by its cover.
“Susan Boyle, if I’m being honest with you, the second I saw her come out I was like, ‘oh here we go,' " Cowell admitted. “I wasn’t really listening to her answers, and then she started to sing and I thought ‘oh my God, we got this all wrong’…. We’re all sneering, we’re not listening to people [and] we’re judging everybody; I didn’t like what I saw in myself. I was happy she made us look stupid, because we deserved it.”
Just because he’s out of “Idol” doesn’t mean Cowell has lost the taste for talent competitions; he’s bringing a British sensation to our shores with “X Factor” – which, yes, will be in competition with “Idol.”
" 'Idol' is our competition, but so is everything, [like] ‘Dancing with the Stars’ …everything that’s popular,” Cowell said. “X Factor” will be a standout “because there’s no upper-age limit,” he added. “We thought it could be like David vs. Goliath, where a 16-year-old could be competing against a 35-year-old. I have no idea if it’ll succeed, but I’ll boil it down to whether or not we can find a star, and I’m confident that we can find a star.”
Cowell’s workaholic tendencies do make him a bit difficult to live with, he told Winfrey, and as a result have taken a toll on his ability to stay in a relationship. The problem isn’t so much what he's looking for, he said, but what his significant other may want. “I never genuinely believed anyone would want to marry me because I’m difficult to live with. I’m selfish, quite weird and I need time on my own to think and I work all night long,” he said.
Yet despite his oddities, Cowell has found happiness with makeup artist Mezhgan Hussainy.
“It’s good, because I’ve never been very good at relationships to be honest with you,” he told Winfrey. “I’ve been friends with all my exes so that’s worked well. But I never thought I would be with one person, and now I think I will.”
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Kelantan's Draconian Internet Prohibitions
This is definately a violation of civil liberties and human rights. I say this because any clear thinking and reasonble humanbeing will understand that one shouldn't be barred from information available on the internet. The Internet opens us to the world and we have the right to information from the privacy of our personal pc, notebooks, laptops, Mobile on Broadband, etc..
The irony is, this is the state with the highest number of sexual crimes and incest and only 10% of its populations uses the internet.
Read about Kelantan's move,
KOTA BAHARU, May 17 (Bernama) -- Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat today launched the "Internet Thoyyibah", which prohibits access to "approved" sites.
The service is held in collaboration between the state government and Jaring Communications (Jaring).
According to Jaring chief executive officer, Dr Mohamed Awang Lah, the service prevent access to "black-listed" sites and only allow access to "white-listed" Internet pages. "The service will allow parents and heads of departments to monitor Internet access and ensure healthy online practices among children and government employees," he added.
Meanwhile, Nik Abdul Aziz, when launching the Internet service at Balai Islam here, hoped the service would bridge the digital divide among the people in the state.
He said currently, about 10 per cent of the 1.5 million population in Kelantan were Internet users, which was the lowest among other states.
"With Internet Thoyyibah, the digital divide between Kelantan and other states can be reduced," he added.
-- BERNAMA HNH MRA MIS
The irony is, this is the state with the highest number of sexual crimes and incest and only 10% of its populations uses the internet.
Read about Kelantan's move,
KOTA BAHARU, May 17 (Bernama) -- Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat today launched the "Internet Thoyyibah", which prohibits access to "approved" sites.
The service is held in collaboration between the state government and Jaring Communications (Jaring).
According to Jaring chief executive officer, Dr Mohamed Awang Lah, the service prevent access to "black-listed" sites and only allow access to "white-listed" Internet pages. "The service will allow parents and heads of departments to monitor Internet access and ensure healthy online practices among children and government employees," he added.
Meanwhile, Nik Abdul Aziz, when launching the Internet service at Balai Islam here, hoped the service would bridge the digital divide among the people in the state.
He said currently, about 10 per cent of the 1.5 million population in Kelantan were Internet users, which was the lowest among other states.
"With Internet Thoyyibah, the digital divide between Kelantan and other states can be reduced," he added.
-- BERNAMA HNH MRA MIS
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Malaysia Must Handle Bibles With Dignity
As usual, its's the little Napoleons that place the prime minister and government in a very sticky situation. These Napoleons suggested a bond fire on 5,100 Indonesian Christian Bibles. These bibles were confiscated by the government authorities because of it's reference to God as 'Allah'. Malaysian Islam strongly and violently prohibits Christians and all religions to refer to God as 'Allah' because they believe that 'Allah' belongs to Islam only.
The home ministry has denied any intention to burn the bibles as they are still waiting for the pending 'Allah' case taken up the Roman Catholic Church of Malaysia against the government.
I strongly suggest this to the government, should the law favour your version of Malaysian Islam, Please Ship the Indonesian Bibles to the Office Of Cardinal Julius Darmaatmadja Of The Roman Catholic Church of Indonesia. Should their efforts fail in contacting the Roman Catholic Cardinal Julius Darmaatmadja of Indonesia, they can seek help from Malaysian Archbishop Tan Sri Datuk Murphy Pakiam. Give the Holy Scriptures the respect and dignity it deserves, you wouldn't want to take the risk of any repercussions from mother nature while stirring up religious tension and International Shame to Malaysia.
The home ministry has denied any intention to burn the bibles as they are still waiting for the pending 'Allah' case taken up the Roman Catholic Church of Malaysia against the government.
I strongly suggest this to the government, should the law favour your version of Malaysian Islam, Please Ship the Indonesian Bibles to the Office Of Cardinal Julius Darmaatmadja Of The Roman Catholic Church of Indonesia. Should their efforts fail in contacting the Roman Catholic Cardinal Julius Darmaatmadja of Indonesia, they can seek help from Malaysian Archbishop Tan Sri Datuk Murphy Pakiam. Give the Holy Scriptures the respect and dignity it deserves, you wouldn't want to take the risk of any repercussions from mother nature while stirring up religious tension and International Shame to Malaysia.
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