In short:
For the first time since she was released five months ago, Ingrid Betancourt returns to Colombia. Since her release she has lived in Europe. Her visit to Colombia is one of a tour of various countries in Latin America. The visit came despite her saying just a day earlier that she had agreed not to return to Colombia. She is on this tour with her mother, and were welcomed by the French ambassador Jean-Michel Marlaud.
On Friday she had led a march in Madrid, while thousands of people also marched in Colombia and other countries, and appealed for Farc to release its captives. Ingrid Betancourt was rescued along with three American military contractors and 11 Colombian military personnel in a daring rescue operation in July.
My opinion:
It is very brave of this women to return to the country where she was kept hostage for so long. She is making a statement with this that she is not afraid and still holds on to her believes. She turns herself into a role model for a lot of people who are now fighting with her for the same cause. On the other hand I find it a bit stupid of her to return, especially when you look at the fact that she has children. Just a day before the visit she sad not to return for the sake of her children and family. By not sticking to this statement I think her family is not that happy with her.
source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7757073.stm
zondag 30 november 2008
Sarkozy 'voodoo doll' may be sold.
In short:
The Voodoo doll of president Nicolas Sarkozy may still be sold. After the doll went on sale on October ninth the President took the company that produces these, K&B, to court. Quoting that he had exclusive and absolute rights over his own image. K&B refused to stop selling the dolls, that comes with an handbook and pins witch users can stick into memorable quotes from the president printed on the dolls.
A French appeals court has sad voodoo dolls of the president mar remain on sale. The only thing that has to change is that the dolls must carry a label stating that the dolls are offensive to the president. Court rules that the doll was within the authorized limits of free expression and the right to humor.
However, the judge ordered K&B to pay Mr. Sarkozy the symbolic sum of €1,- in damages, as well as all other costs of the case.
A French appeals court has sad voodoo dolls of the president mar remain on sale. The only thing that has to change is that the dolls must carry a label stating that the dolls are offensive to the president. Court rules that the doll was within the authorized limits of free expression and the right to humor.
However, the judge ordered K&B to pay Mr. Sarkozy the symbolic sum of €1,- in damages, as well as all other costs of the case.
My opinion:
The first time that I read this article I laughed myself to death. Who thought of the idea to make a voodoo doll of the president? After this first moment I started thinking that it actually is ridiculous to make a voodoo doll from the president. This because voodoo dolls ate mostly associated with Wicca, and witchcrafts. So I think it is not more than logical that the president took steps towards this company. I feel that the judge’s ruling wasn’t that hard and somewhat strange. The only major thing that has to change is that the dolls must carry a label stating that the dolls are offensive to the president. What is the point of this?
The first time that I read this article I laughed myself to death. Who thought of the idea to make a voodoo doll of the president? After this first moment I started thinking that it actually is ridiculous to make a voodoo doll from the president. This because voodoo dolls ate mostly associated with Wicca, and witchcrafts. So I think it is not more than logical that the president took steps towards this company. I feel that the judge’s ruling wasn’t that hard and somewhat strange. The only major thing that has to change is that the dolls must carry a label stating that the dolls are offensive to the president. What is the point of this?
zondag 23 november 2008
Madonna granted divorce in London
In short:
Pop star Madonna and husband Guy Ritchie have been granted a divorce at the High Court in London. The decree was granted just a month after the couple, who have three children, declared their eight-year marriage was over.
The couple wed at Skibo Castle in Scotland in December 2000, and announced their separation last month after months of speculation.
It has been reported that the couple did not demand a financial settlement from each other. Madonna is thought to be worth some £300m, while Ritchie is believed to have £30m in assets.
The couple are also reported to have agreed to share custody of their two boys, Rocco, eight, and three-year-old adopted David Banda, while Madonna's daughter from an earlier relationship, 12-year-old Lourdes, will stay with her.
Another statement released by the court showed Senior District Judge Philip Waller, who granted the divorce, was satisfied the court did not need to exercise powers under the This suggests the couple had come to an agreement over custody before the divorce.
My opinion:
I think it is great that there finally is a "Hollywood" divorse without any drama! No arguments about custody over the children or the need to for money from your ex. I think this is because they both are succesfull people who are independant and do not need each others support. It is also best for their children, in this way they don't have to deal with any rumours or stories in the tabloids.
source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7741386.stm
Pop star Madonna and husband Guy Ritchie have been granted a divorce at the High Court in London. The decree was granted just a month after the couple, who have three children, declared their eight-year marriage was over.
The couple wed at Skibo Castle in Scotland in December 2000, and announced their separation last month after months of speculation.
It has been reported that the couple did not demand a financial settlement from each other. Madonna is thought to be worth some £300m, while Ritchie is believed to have £30m in assets.
The couple are also reported to have agreed to share custody of their two boys, Rocco, eight, and three-year-old adopted David Banda, while Madonna's daughter from an earlier relationship, 12-year-old Lourdes, will stay with her.
Another statement released by the court showed Senior District Judge Philip Waller, who granted the divorce, was satisfied the court did not need to exercise powers under the This suggests the couple had come to an agreement over custody before the divorce.
My opinion:
I think it is great that there finally is a "Hollywood" divorse without any drama! No arguments about custody over the children or the need to for money from your ex. I think this is because they both are succesfull people who are independant and do not need each others support. It is also best for their children, in this way they don't have to deal with any rumours or stories in the tabloids.
source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7741386.stm
Third of helicopters not fit for battle
In short:
Shocking figures were revealed last night about Britain’s frontline helicopters. It appears that more than a third of all Britain’s frontline helicopters are unfit to fly. The aircrafts have been so overworked in Afghanistan and Iraq that they have to be grounded with no replacements.The Apache helicopters are most seriously hit, these are used virtually non-stop to give vital support to the ground troops.Out of 67 just 20 are able to fly combat missions.
More than half the RAF's ageing Chinook helicopters - used for transport and as air ambulances - are also grounded.
A third of all other helicopters are also out of action - months after commanders warned Britain could lose in Afghanistan without a third more helicopters.
My opinion:
I think that is a bad thing that one third of the helicopters is not working correctly. How is it possible to suport groundtroops in a good way, or protect them for that matter. It is even more shocking that it was known that the helicopters are in this shape. They should be fixed emidiatly to guarantee the safety of the soldiers, groundtroops and to make sure that there can be transport of goods trough the air. Otherwise how can you battle or support your own troops??
source:http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2008/11/23/third-of-helicopters-not-fit-for-battle-115875-20918942/
Shocking figures were revealed last night about Britain’s frontline helicopters. It appears that more than a third of all Britain’s frontline helicopters are unfit to fly. The aircrafts have been so overworked in Afghanistan and Iraq that they have to be grounded with no replacements.The Apache helicopters are most seriously hit, these are used virtually non-stop to give vital support to the ground troops.Out of 67 just 20 are able to fly combat missions.
More than half the RAF's ageing Chinook helicopters - used for transport and as air ambulances - are also grounded.
A third of all other helicopters are also out of action - months after commanders warned Britain could lose in Afghanistan without a third more helicopters.
My opinion:
I think that is a bad thing that one third of the helicopters is not working correctly. How is it possible to suport groundtroops in a good way, or protect them for that matter. It is even more shocking that it was known that the helicopters are in this shape. They should be fixed emidiatly to guarantee the safety of the soldiers, groundtroops and to make sure that there can be transport of goods trough the air. Otherwise how can you battle or support your own troops??
source:http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2008/11/23/third-of-helicopters-not-fit-for-battle-115875-20918942/
zondag 16 november 2008
Somali pirates 'seize cargo ship'
In short:
South Korean officials say gunmen have hijacked a Japanese cargo ship off the coast of Somalia carrying 23 crew including five South Koreans.
The ship was seized in the Gulf of Aden on Saturday, officials said.
The condition of the crew is not known and it is not clear if the pirates are demanding a ransom.
So far this year, Somali pirates have seized more than 30 vessels, making the shipping lanes through the Gulf of Aden the most dangerous in the world.
A South Korean foreign ministry official said the 23 abducted sailors included Filipinos as well as the five South Koreans.
Last Wednesday, the Russian navy said Russian and British ships had repelled a pirate attack on a Danish ship in waters off Somalia.
Reaction:
It is not the first time that this has happened to a cargo ship. It is a sad thing that this is happening, it is not necessary. How those people on those vessels must be feeling. Hold for a ransom of 12 million pounds. I hope that governments of the countries lying near the Gulf of Aden will undertake some extreme measurements so that these actions will decrease, and disappear in the future. A difficult task, but it must be done to reassure trading trough the Gulf of Aden in the future.
South Korean officials say gunmen have hijacked a Japanese cargo ship off the coast of Somalia carrying 23 crew including five South Koreans.
The ship was seized in the Gulf of Aden on Saturday, officials said.
The condition of the crew is not known and it is not clear if the pirates are demanding a ransom.
So far this year, Somali pirates have seized more than 30 vessels, making the shipping lanes through the Gulf of Aden the most dangerous in the world.
A South Korean foreign ministry official said the 23 abducted sailors included Filipinos as well as the five South Koreans.
Last Wednesday, the Russian navy said Russian and British ships had repelled a pirate attack on a Danish ship in waters off Somalia.
Reaction:
It is not the first time that this has happened to a cargo ship. It is a sad thing that this is happening, it is not necessary. How those people on those vessels must be feeling. Hold for a ransom of 12 million pounds. I hope that governments of the countries lying near the Gulf of Aden will undertake some extreme measurements so that these actions will decrease, and disappear in the future. A difficult task, but it must be done to reassure trading trough the Gulf of Aden in the future.
Inmate escapes German jail in box
In short:
In western Germany a manhunt is underway for a convicted drug dealer who escaped by mailing himself out of jail.
A 42 year old man had been working with other inmates, making stationary, destined for shops. At the end of his shift, the man climbed into a cardboard box, and was taken out of prison by express courier. Where he is at the moment and what he is up to, is for now still unknown. The prison authorities in Willich, near Düsseldorf, said the man, who was tall and broad-shouldered, had hidden in a box that was about 150cm by 120cm. Shortly after it had passed through the prison gates, the inmate made his dash for freedom by cutting a big hole in the tarpaulin of the lorry and jumping off. The driver alerted the police after he noticed the tarpaulin flapping in the breeze.
Mariëtte's opinion:
I think that it is ridiculous that this man was able to escape in such a manner. How on earth is it possible in these days to escape this easily?! Weren’t there any guards at the time? Wasn’t there some sort of video surveillance? To me it sounds like as escape from a film, not something that happens in real life.
It is a very embarrassing accident for this prison and it should be carefully looked at for this not to happen again. There should be more guards and other types of security because this should not have happened in the first place.
source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7730018.stm
In western Germany a manhunt is underway for a convicted drug dealer who escaped by mailing himself out of jail.
A 42 year old man had been working with other inmates, making stationary, destined for shops. At the end of his shift, the man climbed into a cardboard box, and was taken out of prison by express courier. Where he is at the moment and what he is up to, is for now still unknown. The prison authorities in Willich, near Düsseldorf, said the man, who was tall and broad-shouldered, had hidden in a box that was about 150cm by 120cm. Shortly after it had passed through the prison gates, the inmate made his dash for freedom by cutting a big hole in the tarpaulin of the lorry and jumping off. The driver alerted the police after he noticed the tarpaulin flapping in the breeze.
Mariëtte's opinion:
I think that it is ridiculous that this man was able to escape in such a manner. How on earth is it possible in these days to escape this easily?! Weren’t there any guards at the time? Wasn’t there some sort of video surveillance? To me it sounds like as escape from a film, not something that happens in real life.
It is a very embarrassing accident for this prison and it should be carefully looked at for this not to happen again. There should be more guards and other types of security because this should not have happened in the first place.
source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7730018.stm
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