The Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas has been ordered to pay $10.9 million in damages to the father of a soldier who was killed in the Iraq conflict.  The claim relates to the picketing of his sons funeral by members of the Church, many of whom held up banners celebrating the death of his son.  Is the US not the land of free speech?

While free speech is one of the foundations of the US philosophy, the Westboro Baptist Church have taken this one step too far, with regular comments stating that each soldier who dies is the will of god, gay people should be persecuted and many more way out religious beliefs which have no place in the society of today.

Even though the picketing of army funerals in the US has become something of a past time for many people, the father of this particular marine has claimed damages for the loss of his last time with his son, and the fact that his memory has now been soiled.  Protests such as these have caused great embarrassment to the US authorities and many states have actually passed new laws restricting the right to protest at events such as military funerals.

This particular case looks set to drag on for years, with this church in question announcing immediate plans to appeal.  Will this father ever see the compensation, will the bigots ever be charged with any type of hate crime? Probably not, after all this is the land of free speech….no matter how offensive it may be!

Posted: October 31st, 2007 under Uncategorized.
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In a move which was seen by many as no more than a badly timed publicity stunt, Heather Mills was hawking herself around the main UK TV and radio stations yesterday, sobbing her heart out to anyone who would listen.  She is currently at the centre of an acrimonious divorce battle with former Beatle Paul McCartney, and it appears she is looking to up the ante, making suggestions that Sir Paul may be at the centre of a whole range of plots against her.

While the move by Ms Mills was not wholly unexpected, bearing in mind reports last week that she was not receiving the money which she wanted, she appears to have done her cause more harm than good.  Comparing herself to the likes of Kate McCann and Princess Diana, she appeared to lose control  a number of occasions, prompting many to express concern about her mental health.

She claims there are death plots against her, she claims that she has evidence in a “tin” which will be used on her death and she strangely claimed she did not necessarily want money from Sir Paul McCartney in settlement of their divorce.  She also made a number of reference to her daughter, despite the fact she was complaining about increased media coverage of the pair.

Quite what the truth is, who knows, but this divorce battle seems to b getting more bitter by the day.  Quite when it will end is anyone’s guess….

Posted: October 31st, 2007 under Uncategorized.
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While the identity of the Royal Family member who was the alleged recipient of a blackmail plot cannot be named in the UK for legal reason, their identity is common knowledge overseas and available to anybody who has an internet connection. 

It seems that the plot involved divulging details of sexual activity and drugs which appear to have been caught on tape.  Quite how the person involved got into such a situation remains to be seen, but this is probably the last thing which the Royal Family would have expected.  It also seems like only a matter of time before the identity of the Royal connection is divulged to a UK audience, due to the fact that it is being openly discussed overseas.

Even though there have always been rumours of a Higher Society within aristocratic circles, this is the first time that a member of the Royal Family has been the victim on an alleged blackmail plot in over a century.  As the issue nears a court hearing, will the Royals want to air their dirty linen in public or will we see a secretive angle to the case.

While not of the same magnitude, or subject matter, many are pointing out that what seemed like an open and shut case with Royal Butler Paul Burrell soon descended into farce.  It seems that the Royal Family still value their privacy above most things, but blackmail, well, we shall see…..

Posted: October 30th, 2007 under Uncategorized.
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It seems so long ago since Pakistan cricket coach Bob Woolmer was found dead in his hotel room, but the saga still continues to this day.  The original Jamaican pathologist who examined Mr Woolmer’s body is adamant that the cricket coach was murdered, citing asphyxia and pesticide poisoning as the cause of death, but why do so few people actually believe him?

The case of Bob Woolmer has been perhaps one of the more complicated deaths of recent times, not helped by what appeared to be a sub-standard investigation on the Caribbean island.  The Jamaican authorities seemed to deviate from their initial conclusion of murder at a very late stage, leaving many people unsure as to what exactly happened.  However, there is no doubt in the mind of Dr Ere Sheshiah that Woolmer was murdered, but his conclusions seem to be falling on deaf ears, even within the confines of the ongoing ICC investigation. 

For those who remember the case, it was immediately linked, right or wrongly, to match fixing allegations and the defeat of Pakistan by the Ireland team - perhaps one of the greatest upsets in the sport in recent times.  The newspapers highlighted a number of arguments and factions within the Pakistan team, and proceeded to name their “prime suspect” without actual proof.

While there are still more pathologists of the opinion that he died of “natural causes” it seems unlikely that the official verdict will be changed, but some how this saga continues to run and run.

Posted: October 30th, 2007 under Uncategorized.
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Actress Patsy Palmer has announced plans to return to Eastenders in March of next year, after an absence of some 5 years.  She will rekindle her popular character Bianca, who was held in very high regard by the masses of Eastenders fans.  Now 35 years of age, Patsy Palmer has been busy on other projects since leaving the show, but she never quite made it back into the limelight - until now!

She is set to return broken hearted with more children in tow, to live with her grandmother Pat Evans.  Bianca was best known for her on / off stormy relationship with Ricky, played by Sid Owen, which gave fans of the show much laughter and heartache.

The return of Ms Palmer is another step in the rehabilitation of Eastenders which was for some time over shadowed by fierce rival Coronation Street.  However, due to some very strong and very dramatic storylines, the show has in many viewers eyes risen above Coronation Street.  Quite how hardened fans of the show will react to the return of Bianca remains to be seen, but they must have some pretty strong storylines planned for the much loved actress.

While it looks unlikely that we will hear the wails of “Rickyyyy” from Bianca, she is sure to cause mayhem and upset in the square, not to mention much fun and laughter.

Posted: October 29th, 2007 under Uncategorized.
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Conservative Party leader David Cameron has today joined the England Scotland row, with news that the Tories would reconsider a number of elements to do with the funding of Scotland, as and when they return to power.  It seems that not only is the amount of direct funding under review, but they are going to look at the infamous “West Lothian” situation, whereby Scottish MPs are able to vote of England only issues, whilst English MPs are not able to vote on Scotland only issues. 

While many are concerned that this is playing into the hands of SNP Leader, and Scottish First Minister, Alex Salmond - who is stirring up support for a break up of the Union - there is genuine relief from the English that the situation may finally be rectified.  As well as the significantly higher spending per head in Scotland than England, as dictated by the so called “Barnett formula”, there are a number of services which are free in Scotland, but not free in other parts of the UK.  This has led to claims that English tax payers are effectively funding these free services and suffering as a consequence.

Should the Tories regain power and decide to ban Scottish MPs from voting on England only matters, we may see the strange situation whereby Gordon Brown would not be able to cast a vote on English only issues, due to him being an elected representative of a Scottish Constituency.

It seems that we are edging ever nearer to a full blown review of the Union as a whole, with many inside and outside of Scotland believing that Scotland has most to lose.  Independence may seem a good idea on paper, but when you consider the funding issues and the added expense of Scottish affairs still controlled by the UK parliament, the situation becomes a little less clearer.

Posted: October 28th, 2007 under Uncategorized.
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In the fickle world of professional football it seems that there is life at Chelsea after the departure of “the special” one.  The 6 - 0 thrashing of Manchester City, a team who are still above Chelsea even after this defeat, has helped to bring the warring factions at the club together.  But is it really a sign of things to come?

While Avram Grant will no doubt be enjoying a well earned rest this evening after the week from hell, many at the game have highlighted the fact that Manchester City seemed to have their formation and tactics all wrong to combat this resurgent Chelsea team.  Quite how a team who still remain third in the Premiership can be thrashed 6 - 0 by a team below them, remains to be seen. 

Sven Goran Eriksson has led something of a charmed life since taking the helm at Manchester City, but there have been signs of weakness in some of their games this season.  However despite taking all of the headlines, and when you bear in mind the state of recent City teams the plaudits are well earned, there is still much work and rebuilding to do.

Manchester City have a difficult visit to neighbours Bolton on Wednesday, in the Carling Cup, with fans expecting a fight back from Saturday’s result.  Chelsea have an easier fixture on paper, taking on troubled Leicester City at home on the same night.

While the “special one” may not be forgotten, his light is starting to shine a little dimmer in the corridors of Stamford Bridge.

Posted: October 27th, 2007 under Uncategorized.
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In a move that is sure to be as successful as it is controversial, it has been announced that school girls in England from the age of 12 will be vaccinated against cervical.  The government have announced plans to introduce the vaccinations to girls in the range 12 to 18, in a bid to reduce the growth in the condition. 

This is something which has been discussed on a number of occasions, and while it had been expected a little earlier, the authorities were keen to collate as much research as possible.  Now the research has been considered the project will start next year in England, although there are similar moves afoot in Wales and Scotland.

While the authorities will supply the three jab program, it is up to the individual school authorities as to how the vaccination should be administered.  The £300 treatment has attracted the expected back lash from those suggesting this might encourage promiscuity in children, although surely the health of a child in later life is the main crux of the matter?

The effects of this program could be far reaching as the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which can lead to cervical cancer, results in worldwide cervical cancer deaths of some 274,000 a year.  With over 1,000 deaths in the UK alone, these are lives which can be saved.  While you can expect more controversy when the plan is introduced next year, it will be interesting to see how these jabs effect future cases of cervical cancer.

Posted: October 26th, 2007 under Uncategorized.
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As night follows day, Martin Jol has parted company with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club after a disastrous start to the season.  There have been rumours for weeks that Jol was walking a tight rope and the Spurs board were looking to bring in Sevilla coach Juande Ramos as his replacement.  So what went wrong?

Hopes had been high for Spurs at the start of this season after last seasons rise to the top echelons of the Premiership.  However, those who watch Spurs will know that they are a confidence team who often lack the bottle to fight their way out of trouble.  As the bad started continued it seems that many of the players had already decided they wanted Jol out, with a number of arguments apparent behind the scenes.  The open show of contempt by star striker Berbatov last week seems to have been the final straw.

While many believed that last night UEFA Cup defeat was the reason for the change, in truth the decision had already been made some time ago.  Jol for one reason or another had lost the confidence of the Spurs board as well as some of the players, although many fans are suggesting that some of the so called superstars of the team need to take a long hard look at themselves.

Even though Jol’s approach was not appreciated by everyone, he was often said to be aloof and unapproachable, he did get results and take Spurs from a team in decline to one on the up.  It seems that talks with Ramos are well advanced, with insiders claiming that he will sign a contract this week, but will the actions of the Spurs board be called into question, with indications that despite supporting Jol in public, they seem to have been plotting behind his back in private.

Posted: October 26th, 2007 under Uncategorized.
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Official figures released this week show that MPs claimed a massive £87 million in expenses last year, a rise of five percent from the previous year, against an inflation rate of just under two percent.  The average expenses claims works out at £136,000 per MP - but dont forget their salaries on top!

So are you getting value for money?

The highest claim was from Labour MP Shahid Malik who claimed a colossal £185,421 in expenses last year, and while there are MPs from all parties in the top ten list, it is dominated by Labour.  Quite how they manage to arrive at their figures has surprised many, but they can claim :-

· a basic salary of £60,277.
· 91 days holidays a year.
· a final salary pension scheme, inflation proof, at £30,000 a year for only 20 years contributions.
· a London allowance of £2,712, which many seem to claim even if their constituencies are near by.
· unlimited first class travel, and fifteen trips a year for their family.
· 40p a mile on the first 10,000 driving miles, and 25p there after.
· a stationary allowance of some £10,000.
· an incidental expenses allowance of some £20,440 for legal fees, photocopying, etc.

This news comes hot on the heels of a report yesterday stating that the majority of MPs are unemployable after leaving the Commons, despite the age old line that they should be paid more in Parliament because they would receive more in the private sector.  What chance of a reduction in expenses next year?

Dispute the annual cries from voters, the MPs continue year after year claiming there expense, changing the status of their homes to receive the various allowances, and claiming every possible expense going.  Is it not time that we had a clean up? Is it not time to name and shame the more dubious of expense claims? Is it not time that MPs took their noses out of the trough?

Posted: October 26th, 2007 under Uncategorized.
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