Take part in Milton Keynes’ Mascot Olympics
REVIEW: Evita at Milton Keynes Theatre
Published: Wed 22 May 2013
LIKE everyone else, even Andrew Lloyd Webber must have his good and his bad days. The day he sat down to compose the score for the lyrics Tim Rice was writing for Evita, must have been one of the best.
Article source: http://www.mkweb.co.uk/News/Take-part-in-Milton-Keynes-Mascot-Olympics-20130522144759.htm
BBC World Service looks at ‘The Truth About Mental Health’ from 31 May
MUMBAI: BBC World Service has announced a new series ‘The
Truth About Mental Health’ which kicks off from 31 May. The
series looks at the radically different attitudes and definitions
of mental wellbeing around the world. Presenter Claudia Hammond
reports from India, Jordan, Norway, the US, Kenya, Japan and
the UK and explores innovative new treatments.
With
wide-ranging conditions varying from anxiety and depression,
through to post-traumatic stress disorder and psychosis, there
are an estimated 450 million people world-wide with mental
health problems according to the World Health Organisation
(WHO). World-wide, one in four people develop mental or behavioural
disorders at some stage in life. The WHO predicts that by
2030 mental health treatments are to become the largest burden
on global health resources.
Presented
by psychologist Claudia Hammond ‘The Truth About Mental
Health’ looks at the enormous ‘treatment gap’ that exists
for mental disorders around the world. In many lower- and
middle-income countries, three quarters of people with mental
health problems receive no treatment at all. Even in wealthier,
high-income countries only between a third and a half receive
professional help.
From
Africa, to Asia, to the Middle East and Europe, Hammond
investigates the alternative ways that people experiencing
a broad range of mental health problems seek help within
the ‘treatment gap’, and explores potential strategies for
bridging this gulf in mental health care. Throughout the
series, Hammond hears personal stories showing how individuals
can have hope that treatment and recovery is possible from
a range of distressing mental health conditions.
Hammond
said, “This has been a fascinating series to make,
meeting everyone from young men living in self-imposed exile
in their bedrooms in Japan to survivors of the terrorist
shootings on Utøya Island in Norway, and Syrian children
who have fled appalling violence.
“Everyone
I’ve met has been brave enough to talk about the difficulties
which are the most personal of all – those involving the
mind. Listening to their stories has something to tell all
of us about how the human mind works. These are issues which
affect our audiences all around the world and we’re lucky
because the BBC World Service is uniquely placed to be able
to cover these stories.”
Article source: http://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k13/may/may125.php
Gay marriage plan backed by MPs
The Government’s plans to legalise gay marriage have cleared the House of Commons despite more Tory MPs voting against the proposals than voting in favour of them.
A total of 128 Tory MPs voted against the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill at third reading, while only 117 voted in favour of it. Six MPs voted both ways.
Two Tory Cabinet ministers – Welsh Secretary David Jones and Environment Secretary Owen Paterson – voted against the Bill at third reading.
They were joined by 10 junior ministers: minister without portfolio John Hayes; Solicitor-General Oliver Heald; transport minister Simon Burns; Europe minister David Lidington; defence minister Philip Dunne; defence minister Andrew Robathan; defence minister Mark Francois; justice minister Jeremy Wright; Northern Ireland minister Mike Penning; and work and pensions minister Esther McVey.
The figures do not include tellers. The tellers for the Ayes were the Tory MP Desmond Swayne and the Liberal Democrat MP Sir Bob Russell. The tellers for the Noes were both Tories. They were John Randall and Mark Lancaster.
Earlier, there was applause in the House after MPs voted by 366 to 161, majority 205, to give the Bill a third reading. The legislation will go to the House of Lords after the half-term recess where it is expected to attract fierce opposition from peers, especially the bishops.
The result is a marginal improvement for David Cameron on the vote at second reading when 175 MPs opposed the plans in a Commons vote. It also comes as a relief for Downing Street following a serious attempt on Monday by Tory former minister Tim Loughton to derail the Bill. Mr Loughton had tabled an amendment extending civil partnerships to straight couples – a move which ministers warned could have cost the Treasury an extra £4 billion in pension liabilities and scupper the chances of the Bill becoming law.
But Labour – mindful they did not want to play any part in derailing the Bill – decided against supporting Mr Loughton – a move which would have seen the amendment pass – and offered the Government an 11th hour deal to immediately review the possibility of extending civil partnerships to straight couples.
Culture Secretary Maria Miller accepted their amendment and Mr Loughton’s amendment in the end was easily defeated.
Turning to Ms Miller shortly before the vote, shadow minister for women and equalities minister Yvette Cooper said: “We can only wonder what would happen if you and I leapt up and started leading a Eurovision-style chorus perhaps of congratulations perhaps Abba-style, maybe not ‘One Man, One Woman’ but certainly ‘I Do, I Do, I Do’. I have heard Conservative members talk about the anger in their constituencies. And I hope they will now be able to stop talking about the anger and start talking about the joy. Because this is about the joy that we can deliver to those that want to get married just as their parents did. Let’s be loud and proud, let’s start the singing. Let’s celebrate, not discriminate. Let’s put aside the anger and hear it for the joy.”
Article source: http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/News/UK-and-world-news/Gay-marriage-plan-backed-by-MPs-0-7428691.xnf
‘World class’ rocker Bolder dies
Uriah Heep and Spiders From Mars bassist Trevor Bolder has died following a battle with cancer, his band said. He was 62.
Bolder joined David Bowie’s backing band in 1971, appearing on classic albums including Hunky Dory and Aladdin Sane. He went on to join Uriah Heep five years later and only stopped playing with the band a few months ago, due to his poor health.
Tributes were paid to him as a “world-class” rock musician.
A statement from Uriah Heep said: “It is with great sadness that Uriah Heep announce the passing of our friend the amazing Trevor Bolder, who has passed away after his long fight with cancer. Trevor was an all-time great, one of the outstanding musicians of his generation, and one of the finest and most influential bass players that Britain ever produced.
“His long time membership of Uriah Heep brought the band’s music, and Trevor’s virtuosity and enthusiasm, to hundreds of thousands of fans across the world. He joined the band in 1976 and, barring one short break, was a fixture until his ill health forced him to take a step back early this year.
“Prior to joining Heep he was a founder and ever-present member of David Bowie’s legendary Spiders From Mars band, performing on all of their key albums and at countless shows. He also performed with Wishbone Ash, Cybernauts and The Rats.”
Lead guitarist Mick Box said: “Trevor was a world-class bass player, singer and songwriter, and more importantly a world-class friend. He will be sadly missed by family, friends and rock fans all over the world. We are all numb to the core.”
Article source: http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/National-News/World-class-rocker-Bolder-dies-2-7428962.xnf
Gay marriage Bill clears Commons
The Government’s controversial plans to legalise gay marriage have cleared the Commons despite efforts by Tory backbenchers to derail the legislation.
There was applause in the House after MPs voted by 366 to 161, majority 205, to give the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill a third reading.
The legislation will go to the House of Lords after the half-term recess where it is expected to attract fierce opposition from peers, especially the bishops.
The result is a marginal improvement for David Cameron on the vote at second reading when 175 MPs opposed the plans in a Commons vote. It also comes as a relief for Downing Street following a serious attempt on Monday by Tory former minister Tim Loughton to derail the Bill. Mr Loughton had tabled an amendment extending civil partnerships to straight couples – a move which ministers warned could have cost the Treasury an extra £4 billion in pension liabilities and scupper the chances of the Bill becoming law.
But Labour – mindful they did not want to play any part in derailing the Bill – decided against supporting Mr Loughton – a move which would have seen the amendment pass – and offered the Government an 11th-hour deal to immediately review the possibility of extending civil partnerships to straight couples.
Culture Secretary Maria Miller accepted their amendment and Mr Loughton’s amendment in the end was easily defeated.
Turning to Ms Miller shortly before the vote, shadow minister for women and equalities minister Yvette Cooper said: “We can only wonder what would happen if you and I leapt up and started leading a Eurovision-style chorus perhaps of congratulations perhaps Abba-style, maybe not ‘One Man, One Woman’ but certainly ‘I Do, I Do, I Do’.
“I have heard Conservative members talk about the anger in their constituencies. And I hope they will now be able to stop talking about the anger and start talking about the joy. Because this is about the joy that we can deliver to those that want to get married just as their parents did. Let’s be loud and proud, let’s start the singing. Let’s celebrate, not discriminate. Let’s put aside the anger and hear it for the joy.”
Earlier, Sir Tony Baldry – the senior Tory MP who represents the Church of England in the Commons – said he already had enough problems trying to persuade voters in his rural Oxfordshire constituency of Banbury about the need to legalise gay marriage. The Second Church Estates Commissioner said: “I can’t speak for other MPs, but I have had enough problems in my constituency with same-sex marriage.” In a heated debate on Monday a number of MPs, many of them Conservative backbenchers, stood up to denounce the Government’s plans. Conservative former defence minister Sir Gerald Howarth said he believed there was an “aggressive homosexual community” who saw gay marriage as a “stepping stone to something even further”.
Two Tory cabinet ministers – Welsh Secretary David Jones and Environment Secretary Owen Paterson – voted against the Bill at third reading. They were joined by 10 junior ministers: minister without portfolio John Hayes, Solicitor-General Oliver Heald, transport minister Simon Burns, Europe minister David Lidington, defence minister Philip Dunne, defence minister Andrew Robathan, defence minister Mark Francois, justice minister Jeremy Wright, and Northern Ireland minister Mike Penning and work and pensions minister Esther McVey.
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/attorney-generals-office(Attorney General’s Office)
Article source: http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/News/UK-and-world-news/Gay-marriage-Bill-clears-Commons-0-7428691.xnf
Zhang Jike wins men’s title at Paris World Championships
The men’s singles title would come down to a clash between the Chinese pair of Zhang Jike and Wang Hao at the World Table Tennis Championships in Paris. A win for Zhang over his old rival Wang, would see him become just the sixth player to defend his world championship title.
Monday’s showdown was the fifth time Zhang and Wang met in a major final. Zhang had won three of their four previous encounters, each of those coming in big moments. Zhang’s wins saw him complete the Grand Slam, winning Olympic, World Championship and World Cup titles at the expense of his countryman.
And Zhang would get off to a great start in the best of seven as he took the first game 11-7. After the next two games were split Zhang would take control of the match in the fourth game. He was able to match Wang Hao step for step and eeked out a close one 14-12 to move one game away.
And in the sixth, Zhang would complete the win 11-7 the scoreline there, as he took the best of seven 4-2 to once again get the better of Wang and repeat as men’s world champion.
Zhang Jike said, “I didn’t invite my parents to watch my matches in the previous Olympics or World championships. This time they asked me and I said no problem. Maybe I’m more confident after winning the grand slams. I felt so exciting seeing them cheer for me. I believe the title is the best gift for them.”
Article source: http://www.ecns.cn/2013/05-21/64572.shtml
P-Noy tells world: What is ours is ours
MANILA, Philippines – With tensions escalating over maritime claims, President Aquino yesterday vowed that the country would repel any threat to its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
“In the agenda of our good governance, our message to the world is clear: what is ours is ours, and we will repel any and all attempts to claim what is ours, and defend ourselves against any form of aggression, especially within our backyard,” Aquino said at the 115th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Navy at Fort San Felipe in Cavite.
He challenged the Navy to rise to the challenges of the times not only in fulfilling its mandate as guardian of the seas, but also as protector of the sovereignty of the Philippines.
“The challenge to protect our sovereignty and integrity as a nation has been continuing. There remain the internal and external threats, and the risks brought by calamities that endanger the lives and livelihood of our countrymen,” the President said.
Aquino said he expected the Navy to defend the country’s territory and uphold its sovereignty against all enemies, whether foreign or domestic.
“We want the Filipino to feel secure and safe, wherever he may be in any part of the world. That is why we expect security forces to curb illegal smuggling transactions, illegal drugs and trafficking-in-persons,” Aquino said.
He expressed confidence that the Navy can better perform its duties with the signing of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Act, which extends the program for another 15 years.
Awarding ceremony
The President led the awarding ceremony for those who contributed to the Navy’s mission accomplishments during yesterday’s anniversary celebration.
Among the recipients were US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. and Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras.
The event had for its theme “Navy: An Adventure of Honorable Service to our Maritime Nation.”
The President was accorded military honors upon his arrival at the Commodore Posadas Wharf Headquarters in Fort San Felipe in Cavite.
It was the first time that the Navy’s anniversary celebration was held in Fort San Felipe.
The event was highlighted by the inauguration of a museum, which was built to showcase the Navy’s rich history and culture.
Among those who attended the ceremony were Vice President Jejomar Binay, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, Navy flag officer in command Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano, Army Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, Air Force Commanding General Lauro Catalino de la Cruz, Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima, and Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena.
Also in attendance were Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino, and members of the diplomatic corps.
The Navy has conducted a series of pre-anniversary activities for this year’s founding anniversary, among them a football competition among the youth of Mindanao and advocacy biking for safe and fair elections.
Article source: http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/05/22/944870/p-noy-tells-world-what-ours-ours
Griffiths gets Scotland call
On-loan Hibernian striker Leigh Griffiths has been rewarded for his impressive form with a call-up to the Scotland squad for the World Cup qualifier against Croatia.
Griffiths – who made his debut in a friendly against Luxembourg – forced his way into Gordon Strachan’s plans for the match in Zagreb on June 7. There are also first call-ups for Celtic’s Tony Watt and Dundee United midfielder Stuart Armstrong, as well as Gordon Greer of Brighton and Aberdeen’s Ryan Jack.
Griffiths’ performances this season saw him pick up a number of end of season awards.
Strachan said: “Over the last couple of seasons he has decided he wants to improve and get better and he has done that. People can help you on your way to become better but your career is entirely in your own hands.
“At this moment he is shaping a good career. He was unfortunate, he was very close to being in the squad the last time. This time he has achieved that.”
One notable absentee from the squad is veteran striker Kenny Miller.
Strachan said: “Kenny has been injured for over a month with a hamstring problem. I spoke to Kenny last week and it would be better for him to rest his hamstring because he could come over here and there’s no guarantee that he would play. We will see him in the next squad and he’s happy with that.”
As well as Watt, Celtic are represented by skipper Scott Brown and James Forrest, although Charlie Mulgrew and Kris Commons were not included.
Strachan said: “There are five Celtic players that could have been chosen. Charlie Mulgrew is not going to be there because he’s getting married. Charlie and Kris have played a lot of games this year for Celtic.
“I’ve kept in touch with Lenny (Neil Lennon) over the five players and he feels that Forrest, Brown and Watt probably need a game and the other two probably need a rest. That’s the reason behind that.”
Article source: http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/Sport/UK-and-world-sport/Griffiths-gets-Scotland-call-0-7427178.xnf
Gay Marriage Legislation to Move Forward in United Kingdom’s Parliament
Gay Marriage Legislation to Move Forward in United Kingdom’s Parliament
By Maxine Wally | May 20, 2013 05:10 PM EDT
The UK’s Parliament plans to move forward with the legalization of gay marriage in England and Wales, after conservatives offered to allow heterosexual couples civil partnerships if gay couples could be married.
The Labour Party, a center-left political party in the United Kingdom, reached an agreement with the legislative body on Monday, when Culture Secretary Maria Miller said publicly thanked all parties for their “unwavering support,” reported the BBC.
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Details of the bill will be discussed until Tuesday, when the House of Commons performs its third reading-the last step before going to the House of Lords on Wednesday.
Supporters say that further review could lead to more delays, or it could make the bill veer off the map completely. They expect much opposition from the House of Lords.
However, Miller still maintained that the civil partnership bill will be reviewed “very swiftly.”
Members of Parliament voiced their support of gay marriage overall in February, but are now talking about refocusing their efforts on other political topics, at the behest of Conservatives who are against the bill.
The UK’s Conservative Party has recently felt some distance amongst its own, as attitudes concerning the party’s grassroots clash.
Former Conservative minister Tim Loughton says he and his party will try to amend the bill, giving civil partnership rights to heterosexual couples.
He argued that the adjustment was a “wrecking” move, and that passing the amendment would take away from some of the “anomalies and flaws” introduced in the initial bill.
“If this amendment is passed…[it will] make the bill more palatable.”
MPs receive one free vote on the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill, as it is an issue of conscience.
Miller informed MPs that there exist “fundamental policy” issues up for consideration, including retirement funds for heterosexual partners.
Despite the volley of back-and-forth argumentation, shadow equalities minister Kate Green said the most important thing is to put the legislation into action.
“We are certainly anxious to do all we can to ensure that same-sex marriages arrive as swiftly as possible on the statute book,” she said. “We would not want to see anything put that ambition in jeopardy.”
Article source: http://www.hngn.com/articles/3266/20130520/gay-marriage-legislation-move-forward-united-kingdoms-parliament.htm
World media reports on Harper government’s growing Senate expense scandal
It’s been a busy long weekend for Canadian political news. The resignation of Stephen Harper’s Chief-of-Staff Nigel Wright, and the growing Senate expense scandal, has even made worldwide headlines.
BBC News reported: ”Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s top aide has resigned over his role in a growing expenses scandal. Nigel Wright quit after revelations he had secretly given a senator a C$90,000 (£58,000; $87,000) cheque to help repay improperly claimed housing expenses. The conservative prime minister said he had accepted the resignation of his chief of staff ‘with great regret.’”
Interestingly, the BBC’s short news story included some important information often left out of media reports on Nigel Wright: “Nigel Wright is a managing director of a major Canadian private equity firm who has been on secondment to the prime minister’s office since 2011.”
Bloomberg Business Week also picked up the story: “An expenses controversy has dogged Harper’s ruling Conservative Party in recent months by implicating his lawmakers in the Senate, an unelected body whose members are appointed by the prime minister. By claiming Wright, the scandal has moved closer to Harper than any since he took power in 2006, said Nik Nanos, an Ottawa-based pollster.”
The story even made it to the news ticker on the big screen in New York City’s Times Square (a phote of the headline was captured and shared by Twitter user @carlena).
It’s worth remembering that as recently as Friday, the Prime Minister’s Office was expressing “full confidence” in Nigel Wright and saying he would stay on as Chief-of-Staff. Perhaps someone thought the long weekend would make this story go away. Instead, it’s gone global.
Tuesday will be an interesting day on Parliament Hill.
Article source: http://rabble.ca/blogs/bloggers/media-watch/2013/05/world-media-reports-on-harper-governments-growing-senate-expense-